Designed by Sophie Berck and Pauline Girardot (Petit Jour Architecture), this 33 m2 studio is located in a former artists' atelier complex in the 18th arrondissement, steps from the Moulin Rouge. The residence dates back to the first half of the 20th century, a period when Montmartre was home to thriving creative workshops.
The space was delivered as an empty shell with only basic connections in place. The clients, a couple passionate about art and craftsmanship (one of them practices ceramics), wanted a multifunctional space that could serve as a home, a workspace and a guest apartment, with all the comforts of a larger dwelling.
Design strategy
The design centres on the generous 3.2 metre ceiling height. Rather than a conventional mezzanine with a loft bed, which would have divided the space too aggressively, the architects created a raised platform housing an office above and a slide away double bed below. The bed rolls out on a simple mechanism of tracks and rollers, and the platform is tall enough that bedding can stay in place when tucked away.
All service areas (kitchen, bathroom, WC, full height storage with aged mirror doors) are arranged along the windowless wall, freeing the garden side for the living area and office. The kitchen features brushed stainless steel cabinets, a lava stone countertop with a crackled enamel finish, and a tiled breakfast bar in glossy red burgundy that doubles as a ceramics work surface. The bathroom uses small square tiles in pale blue and caramel with contrasting grout.
Materials
Materials were chosen for their industrial character and durability: varnished concrete floors, whitewashed pine for the mezzanine structure, salvaged oak from a train wagon for the desk surface, and powder coated steel for structural details. The overall effect maintains the raw spirit of the original ateliers while feeling elegant and residential.
A 27 m2 private garden terrace, designed with Studio Caracterre, extends the living space outdoors with a new deck, planters and patio furniture.
