InspirationRenovationReal Estate

65 m² seventies reinvented in Maisons-Alfort

On the top floor of a 1970s building, Romain and Constance have transformed a forgotten apartment into a luminous family haven, where concrete, wood, and metal interact in perfect harmony.

 

We were immediately attracted by the building’s mineral quality,” say Romain and Constance, both architects. When their daughter Mara was born, the couple were looking to move away from the center of Paris, and discovered this apartment in Maisons-Alfort, which had been on the market for a long time and had a very Seventies aesthetic.

 

Behind the worn carpets and yellowed wallpaper, they immediately saw potential: “The large dark wood frames, the concrete slab… our favorite materials were already there!”

 

Rather than erase, they choose to reveal: “We didn’t want to demolish everything, but to work with the existing,” they explain. The original features then became the common thread running through the project, in an approach guided by raw materials and a certain economy of means. The space was completely rethought and redistributed to accommodate a second bedroom, without extending the walls.

 

The result: an interior that’s both sober and warm, where walnut responds to the original woodwork, and polished concrete captures the light and softens perception. “We love the quality of the light here, from morning till night,” confide the owners. A fluid, breathable space, designed to last – and to be lived in.

Back to his roots for Romain, who grew up in Maisons-Alfort. Despite a recent renovation, the building retains the typical lines and proportions of the 1970s, which remain intact and clearly visible.

 

 

Generous communal spaces, the systematic presence of an elevator: buildings of this era favored comfort. Here, the wine-red color of the original elements has inspired the couple, who use it as a unifying theme throughout the apartment.

The layout has been completely redesigned to let the light flow through to the entrance, as the doors have been removed. On the floor, a leveling compound applied over raw concrete—sanded and then varnished—reveals a smooth, seamless surface.

 

In the W.C., the wine-red hue really comes into its own. Paired with reused ceramic tiles, it creates a cozy, inviting space, where material and color assert a strong identity, even in the secondary rooms.

 

Behind the sheer curtains, the terrace comes into view. The living room is a blend of selected pieces and iconic lines: a modular coffee table from the 1950s, with an adjustable base, and a reproduction of a Chandigarh armchair.

Romain and Constance simply used cinder blocks as steps to access the terrace, asserting their direct, unadorned approach to materials.

Meet Romain and Constance, founders of l’Atelier Rocaa . Their background, spanning renovation, the hotel industry and retail, nurtures a multi-faceted approach: “A balance between materials, light and use.

The Create fan enhances the airflow already facilitated by the wide openings. As an extension of the living room, the kitchen now opens widely, enhancing the sense of flow and perspective.

The La Redoute smoked-glass table and chairs blend seamlessly into a cohesive color scheme. The hues of the lower cabinet fronts echo the original door frames, continuing the dialogue with the existing elements.

 

Egger’s top-of-the-line laminate countertop, resistant to abrasion, impact and scratches, is perfect for everyday use. As a backsplash, the polished concrete rises from the floor, extending a sober, mineral continuity.

 

 

Sklum’s metal wall shelving creates a decorative element in its own right. Everyday objects and selected containers are displayed freely, transforming the kitchen into a lively, lived-in space.

In the living room, the same spirit continues with this metal cabinet by Muji. Books, vinyl records and selected objects are freely displayed, creating a domestic landscape that is both personal and ever-evolving.

The bathroom incorporates a discreet laundry area, with the appliances concealed above a dedicated space … for the cat and its litter box! Tailor-made walnut handles add a warm, consistent touch to the overall look.

The smoked glass of the shower enclosure echoes that of the dining room. The Ikea vanity unit is topped with a polished concrete countertop, featuring a sleek ceramic sink.

 

In the shower, Ragno tiles run from floor to ceiling, enveloping the space. Indirect lighting, provided by recessed LED strips, creates an intimate atmosphere conducive to relaxation.

 

In little Mara’s bedroom, a drop ceiling conceals the wiring and plumbing while creating a perimeter cove that accentuates the ceiling height and gives a sense of spaciousness. The AT4 extendable bed fits into this soft, luminous space.

 

 

The iconic and timeless String shelf adds a light, airy touch to the wall. On the lower wall, the play of colors adds relief and rhythm to the composition, emphasizing the horizontality of the space.

In the primary bedroom, a wardrobe runs alongside the bed, compensating for the lack of storage space created by the numerous openings. It structures the space and gives the room an intimate, enveloping atmosphere.

A discreet but decisive detail: the skirting boards are recessed into the walls, creating a continuous, flush line that visually lightens the overall effect and underlines its elegance.

The stained oak headboard, dressed in linen-effect wallpaper, adds warmth and texture. The Folk sconce and Sklum metal bedside table echo the window handles, continuing the thread of material continuity.

Constance and Romain’s neighborhood favorites:
 
Teleport to China … in the Paris region!
HOTEL-RESTAURANT HUATIAN CHINAGORA
1 place du Confluent, 94140 Alfortville, France
You can stroll around the area, along the riverbanks, to admire the architecture or its indoor Zen gardens when they’re open. Or book a karaoke room for a kitsch evening with friends. We love this surreal change of scenery!
@ huatianchinagoraparis
 
For a stroll and a swim on the banks of the Marne river
MAISON-ALFORT BEACH
76 avenue Foch, 94700 Maisons-Alfort
To disconnect from the city and cool off in summer. With its waterfront quays and paths. Also ideal for a bike ride.
 
To find everything without going to the supermarket
MAISON-ALFORT CENTER MARKET
14 avenue du Professeur Cadiot, 94700 Maisons-Alfort
The city’s true social hub. We love coming by on weekends, and even stop in for a coffee or a glass of white wine.

Closet Design Polished concrete Terrace Untreated concrete Wood

Photos : Juan Jerez
Text : Sébastien Mercadié

Architect : rocaa.