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“I like versatile spaces with a strong character, but where you don’t have to constantly move the furniture around to suit different functions—especially in a small space.” In other words, rolling tables and fold-out sofas are not at all Benjamin Godiniaux’s style. The architect favors duality over modularity: spaces, furniture, and even textures are capable of transforming themselves as the day unfolds or as the needs arise…
This is a recurring theme in the complete renovation of this two-room apartment in the inner suburbs, carried out by the studio that bears his name, on behalf of a young couple who both work in fashion. “My colleague Lorena Torres and I took care of everything: restructuring, insulation, remodeling, as well as decorating and creating custom-made elements,” Benjamin explains.
A bathroom door blends in with the closet fronts; a desk serves as a guardrail on a mezzanine; parquet flooring extends into the bathroom, opening up the previously limited view from the adjoining bedroom… Most importantly, lowering the ceiling by a few dozen centimeters has created a second level in the former attic space: “11 extra square meters, including 7 recognized as living space under French law, is not insignificant in an era and in a city where every square meter has a price,” explains the architect. ”This constraint gave rise to the apartment’s design.”
On the south side, the living area with its high ceilings opens onto a second level with an office, a designer chaise longue, and a cleverly concealed hot water tank. Opposite are the bathroom, WC, and a nest-like bedroom. Between the two is a hybrid space: part hallway, part open kitchen… but above all a place for whimsy, thanks to its beautiful dark color that changes depending on the light.
“The contrast between this darker area, the reflections in the backsplash, and the ‘burst of light’ coming from the very bright living room allowed for multi-layered perceptions,” explains Benjamin. “This would never have been possible with a quick coat of white paint. We had to convince the clients: it was part of my job to push them out of their comfort zone. This room had to be beautiful enough to be ‘present’ when you walked through it. But it also had to be discreet enough not to draw attention to itself at every turn.” This sleight of hand is further enhanced by the details of the handles, the texture of the waxed concrete, the elegance of the countertop, and the presence of iconic pieces. The eye is irresistibly drawn to the smallest details throughout the visit, and the whole ensemble undoubtedly lives up to its title of “urban cocoon.”
