What was the brief?
Gitai Architects was tasked with the total redesign of the residential property in Paris, to improve the functionality of the space to create a modern and comfortable living environment. Our aim was to develop a prototype for a ‘new style’ of apartment, creating a sustainable living environment that balances functionality with aesthetics and connects the atmosphere with the daily activities of life. We worked to create a new system for living, utlising the space as much as possible whilst simultaneously creating an expression with design. Through the total remodeling of the property, we have managed to form a new equilibrium in the apartment, maximising on the space for optimal practicality, comfort, aesthetics and atmosphere.
What were the key challenges?
The main challenge we were faced with was to successfully balance practicality with aesthetics for a finished result that would provide ultimate functionality yet also offer outstanding aesthetics. We worked to create a seamless environment achieved by the spatial synergy, continuity of wood running through the property and clever, built-in storage systems designed to un-interrupt the space. The wooden veiled walls create a flexible spatial experience, not only serving as dividers of the space but also providing scopic storage with cupboards, shelves, and drawers concealed within. With each wall encapsulating floor-to-ceiling storage systems, the need for traditional furniture to store belongings has been eliminated, freeing up space whilst preventing any disturbance in the design.
As this project was a redesign of an existing property, we were also challenged with merging the traditional features of late 20th and early 21st century culture with contemporary design. Understanding architecture as a medium that connects the history with the future of a city was at the core of the design process, so we worked carefully to infuse innovative design into the long-established characteristics of the charming, Parisian property.
What materials did you choose and why?
P-FLAT exemplifies the future of sustainable design, not only through the clever, functional design details, but also through the sustainable practices and natural materials used. Almost the entire construction is made from wood, with the use of natural materials and working with natural form and colourkey to components of the design. Aesthetically, the main design concept was to create an illusion that the space has been formed by folding an immense piece of wood, achieved by connecting the traditional wooden flooring to the newly constructed, wooden enclosed walls.
Material Used :
1. Facade cladding: Washputz, Bottz, by Arco
2. Flooring: Wood type triplie capentry by Damiani Group, Poland
3. Doors: Wood type triplie capentry by Damiani Group, Poland
4. Windows: Double glazing Window, Ponzio company, Italie
5. Interior lighting: NEEDLE 1X TL5 by Orbit
6. LED lighting 3000k by SAI
7. Interior furniture: Tadlak 213 Wg plaster for bathroom- by Arco company
8. Kitchen marble - white marble Carrara by Dubi
9. Stucko Fresque by Pronova
10. Maris Tap Pull Down U Version Nickel Optics by Franke Kitchen Systems
