Houzz Tour: The Walls Come Down in a Creative Parisian Home
A conventional city apartment gets a flexible new layout to reflect the eclectic personality of its owner
What was once a conventional three-bedroom apartment occupying the top two floors of a 1980s apartment building in Paris has been transformed into an open-plan living space. Sliding doors allow the space to be divided into a series of intimate rooms. In reconfiguring the space, architect Glenn Medioni created an escape from busy city life for the homeowner and a glimpse for the visitor into his client’s imagination.
The media room is designed for watching films and listening to music. It features sound insulation, and the walls are covered with custom-made MDF panels that have acoustic qualities. The walls are painted white, with black panels for displaying digital photographs. Media equipment is stored inside the bank of cabinets, through which infrared rays can pass, meaning that remote controls can be used without having to open any doors.
Discreet lighting is used at night to enhance the acoustic panels.
Adjoining the media room is a softer living space, which can be closed off with a sliding door.
Medioni created a bookcase of organically shaped cubbies in the office area. “It was about making something personal and creative that would link the interior to the outdoors,” he says. “And, of course, to display my client’s books and objects.”
Like the panels in the media room, the bookcase is made of white-painted MDF. The unit was designed by Medioni and built by cabinetmakers.
Antipodes
The black background to the honeycomb-like unit contrasts with the white-painted MDF and gives the unit an even greater feeling of depth.
The architect added striking black lines to the cabinets and walls in the huge kitchen-dining area to create a sense of fluidity and movement. Ergonomics figured into the design of the cabinets and island, and the range hood and lights were custom made. Close attention was paid to the homeowner’s needs, such as a concave plate on the induction range for wok cooking.
The island countertop is black granite with a flamed finish and was designed with one corner tapered downward. “This was to ensure the mass of stone had a lighter feel,” Medioni says. “It breaks up the horizontal lines and gives the material an element of flexibility.”
The different shapes of ceiling blocks were inspired by icebergs, and define the distinct areas of the kitchen.
The different shapes of ceiling blocks were inspired by icebergs, and define the distinct areas of the kitchen.
The dining area features a table surfaced with béton ciré, a waxed concrete. Above it on the wall is a magnetic board where the owner can display photographs and objects.
The more private area of the apartment is reached through a symbolic “black box.” This artistic installation functions as a transitional space.
There are no visible partitions between the open-plan bedroom and bathroom. A long double sink is attached to the back of the headboard.
“The owner wanted to shave in daylight,” Medioni says. “As the light comes through the bedroom first [on the right] and then into the bathroom, the sink is positioned to face this light.” The sink is set into an oak unit that has been oiled to highlight the natural wood.
“The owner wanted to shave in daylight,” Medioni says. “As the light comes through the bedroom first [on the right] and then into the bathroom, the sink is positioned to face this light.” The sink is set into an oak unit that has been oiled to highlight the natural wood.
The shower, with walls tiled in Indonesian stone, contains a towel rack, concealed valve shower and automatic soap dispenser. Large-format square slate tiles cover the floor.
The resin bathtub’s waterfall faucet looks deceptively simple, but it’s a technological jewel. It memorizes the temperature and flow the owner prefers, so the tub can be filled at the touch of a button.
The bedroom and bath areas are distinguished by a raised floor and drop ceiling. Elevating the floor 6 inches enabled the architect to rework all the plumbing for the bathroom.
The closet is custom.
A comfortable rice straw tatami mat covers the bedroom floor.
Outside, the 375-square-foot terrace has new flooring and is filled with vines, figs and olive trees. From here the owner can take in the magnificent view, which spans from the Bois de Vincennes to the Eiffel Tower.
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Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A single man
Location: 20th arrondissement of Paris
Size: One bedroom, one bathroom
Designer: Glenn Medioni of Agence Glenn Medioni
The owner of this apartment loves traveling and is a fan of photography and music. He wanted to turn his traditional home into an unconventional living space that reflected his personality.
To achieve this, architect Glenn Medioni knocked down all of the non-load-bearing walls to create a bright and spacious open-plan area. The space can be broken up by a system of sliding doors. The public living area and private sleeping area are separated by a “black box” that resembles a decompression airlock.
Because the owner frequently works from home, the architect designed a comfortable and spacious office area overlooking the terrace. This work zone is defined by a drop ceiling, task lighting and carpet.
Desk: Yamakado; wall lamps: Topix