The “Front and back” Apartment / h2o architectes

Jun 2009

Uploaded by Nico Saieh — Filed under: Interiors ,Refurbishment ,Selected , France, h2o architectes

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Architects: h2o architectes
Location: Paris, France
Client: private
Programme: 60 sqm apartment
Project year: 2008
Photographs: Julien Attard

It was a singular brief from a young Parisian advertising executive also avid collector of comic strips. He wished to live in a fresh environment, both serene and sparkling despite the fact that his existing space was dilapidated, its geometry confusing, compartmentalized and contorted.

The original apartment consisted of 6 rooms squeezed into 60 sq. meters, the entry space alone was 5 sq. meters and had 7 different doors!

The new design offers a continuous wide open space which expands, becomes more complex or dense depending on orientations and uses. These variances are defined by the variable geometries and the usable thickness of the casework and walls. A study on sculpting these depths allowed to create a variety of cavities, niches and alcoves. The sculpted shapes vary in size and colours to adapt to multiple functions in different locations. They can harbour either the vast collection of comic strips or a bar, a bathroom, a closet, and so on.

The front side of each shape always maintains its negative volume on the back. Behind the scenes can unveiled new uses taking place like cupboards, a desk, video, shelves, etc… In this manner, the apartment is continuously renewed and cross-views can become through-views.

: original floor plan

: project floor plan

: axo 01

: axo 02

Cite:
Saieh , Nico . "The “Front and back” Apartment / h2o architectes" 11 Jun 2009. ArchDaily. Accessed 09 Feb 2012. <http://www.archdaily.com/24384>

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Mookie Wilson says:

Cool! I love this renovation- any clue as to what material they used for the wall surfaces to allow the curves? Is it a laminate facing?

# June 11, 2009 at 08:52

Terry Glenn Phipps says:

This is straightforward, worthwhile, and very appropriate for Paris. The lighting seems a bit pedestrian and unfortunate for this quality of renovation. It is sad to see the nice orange plan broken up with these downlighting cans.

# June 11, 2009 at 09:17

PanamArq says:

I love the before and after plans, it really explains this project and makes you aware of how much space is opened up.

# June 11, 2009 at 09:48

daiber says:

Love it!

although I would have tonce of shit on those tiny beautiful shelves.

anyway, congrats, it looks incredible and the space renovation was just right.

# June 11, 2009 at 09:56

ZipZap says:

well done on maximizing the spaces!! the before and after plan really explains a lot the improvement of the space quality!! woot woot

# June 11, 2009 at 15:02

lene says:

wow. this space is cool. the blend of subtle colours on white is pure awesome-ness.

# June 12, 2009 at 08:24

INawe says:

Love it! Everything from space planning to the fun details. Among other things the original unit made no sense with the bathroom not connected to the bedroom.

# June 12, 2009 at 15:47

archit student says:

it looks great! a brilliant job
but i just hate to clean the dust myself if i ever live in an apartment like this

# June 13, 2009 at 01:23

Ken J says:

I’m not sure I agree with the removal of a bath tub to be replaced by a shower and what looks like a 30% loss of bed room only to gain a small work area. I like what was done to open the living, dining, and kitchen areas though.

# June 15, 2009 at 14:52

Romuald says: