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A 16 m² mini penthouse with an XXL view in Paris
A lofty pied-à-terre in Paris
16 m²
Paris, France
85 000 €
Contemporary classic
Studio
JMLC Studio
One foot in Amsterdam, the other in Paris. Such is life for this couple, who live part of the time in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. Having owned this 16 m² pied-à-terre for several years, the couple decided to renovate it in order to enjoy it (and its terrace) even more often, and, above all, feel like they have more of it to enjoy.
The brief was clear: opening up the façade to maximize the view of the Eiffel Tower, and fitting all the functions of a home (including a separate bathroom and WC) into 16 m². Architect Jean-Malo Le Clerc rose to the challenge with flying colors: “The apartment had two different ceiling heights. At first, we thought of raising the entire area, but in the end that was impossible. We then aligned the two ceilings to harmonize the whole and concentrated on the façade, which previously had only one small PVC window. We completely opened it up and reworked it."
The result: more light, a feeling of spaciousness and, above all, a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower, which would have been a shame to miss out on. Inside, the challenge was equally daunting: “We turned the floorplan inside out. We had to integrate a kitchen, a dining area, a sleeping area, storage, a shower room and a WC, while keeping the space as comfortable as if it wre a full-size apartment. In other words, every centimetre was crucial." To achieve this tour de force, the architect decided to divide the space in two and create a visual separation with a kitchen island. This longitudinal line immediately creates an effect of depth. In terms of ambience, he opted for a “luxurious hotel room” inspiration, with a shade of grey on the floor and walls, warmed by the green of the headboard, the walnut of the furniture and the black marble of the central island. An elegant mix of colors and materials for a small studio that definitely has all the makings of a penthouse.
Here’s the man who helped this pied-à-terre regain its pedigree: architect Jean-Malo Le Clerc, posing in the sleeping area (are fatigues a must for ambitious projects?)
The entrance is marked by a recess in the walnut facade. A peg holds caps and coats, while the column to the right of the door cleverly conceals the internet router and other objects that are best unseen.
The WC, an extension of the entrance, is treated in monochrome white to accentuate the feeling of spaciousness. Above, a storage area doubles as a hiding space for the water heater.
Surprisingly, a vanity unit with a small washbasin managed to find its place in a corner.
” We’ve built everything in. We designed the WC a bit like what you’d find in an airplane or train cabin. “
It’s hard to believe that 16 m² can house a complete kitchen. Yet, behind the solid walnut doors, the architect has managed to conceal a fridge, oven, washing machine… and even a wardrobe.
The stovetop is tucked away in the niche. Jean-Malo added a mirrored splashback to accentuate the sense of depth.
Opposite, the central island houses the sink and additional storage space, elegantly separating the two spaces.
The client wanted black marble. This veined version found by Jean-Malo brings character to the kitchen.
A few (small) steps further on, the dining area is defined by a round table and its built-in bench.
The height of luxury: during their Parisian escapades, the couple can now have breakfast facing the Eiffel Tower.
A large drawer under the bench that serves as the first level of the platform that forms the sleeping area provides storage for comforters and pillows. And getting into bed couldn’t be easier: just climb the two small steps on the right, and you’re in the bedroom.
The sleeping area has nothing to envy from standard bedrooms: it features a real double bed, a headboard with integrated sockets and reading lights. Not to mention the ultimate bonus: “From the bed, you can see the Eiffel Tower.”
Opposite the bed, in the recess, the architect has succeeded in creating a second bedroom and TV area with this modular grey sofa by KlipKlap to accomodate visits from friends or the owners’ son.
The 1.5 m² bathroom is also a feat, with a 90 x 60 cm shower that’s “super comfortable” and a vanity unit with integrated mirror above and below to open up the space.
As the bathroom has no windows, “we created the sensation of light by using an LED strip inserted into a groove that runs along the top of the shower.”
An eye for detail: a ledge has been created for toiletries to rest on.
The highlight of the project is the terrace, where the couple can sit down to a meal and enjoy a summer kitchen, thanks to a plancha on the wooden cabinet separating them from their neighbor. A clever two-in-one solution!
On the other side, the wooden box has several functions: it hides the dual-circuit air-conditioning system, houses a planter and can even be used as a cocktail table when sitting in the deckchair.
At night, when the Iron Lady sparkles hourly, the show calls for a bowl of bubbles!
Jean-Malo’s neighborhood haunts
For the best handrolls: Doki Doki. The Japanese restaurant specializes in handrolls prepared before your very eyes. The place is sublime, all decked out in wood, and the food is succulent. A special mention goes out to their cocktails.
11 Rue Marbeuf, 75008 Paris
For succulent viennoiseries: Boulangerie-Pâtisserie The French Bastards. A concept as irreverent as it is delicious: incredible breads, viennoiseries and éclairs to die for. 65 Rue Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, 75009 Paris For a seaside getaway: Sur Mer, by two-starred chef Alexandre Gauthier. He’s already delighted us at La Grenouillère, Froggy’s and L’Anecdote. His latest is his interpretation of the casual cuisine of a seaside eatery. The view is breathtaking, and the seafood, lobsters and chips scrumptious.
Bd de la Manche, 62155 Merlimont
Colored wall
Marble
Metal
Open kitchen
Polished concrete
Terrace
Wood
Photos : Juan Jerez
Text : Julie Giuliano
Architect : JMLC Studio
