The “Front and back” Apartment / h2o architectes

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.