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The matching of Charlotte, architect and co-founder of Atelier Apara, and Maud, the owner of this 42-square-meter space, came about through a network of architect friends: a context that immediately instilled confidence, fueled by Maud’s creative sensibility.
Originally, the project was simply to repair water damage and refresh the existing space. Maud, who had been living here for several years without undertaking any work, had no intention of disrupting her routine. The apartment, a former workshop overlooking a courtyard, is located between the Canal Saint-Martin and Place de la République, in Paris’s 10th arrondissement. However, from the very first visit, Charlotte detected untapped potential in terms of light: despite some interesting openings, the overall feel remained gloomy, particularly in the rooms with no windows to the outside, namely the bedroom and bathroom.
Open-minded but cautious, Maud initially envisaged a classic glazed partition for the bedroom. Charlotte suggested some more unusual ideas and, as they discussed them, the owner allowed herself a change of direction: “I gave myself permission to evolve!” she confides. The project then shifted towards a complete renovation and a new interpretation of the space in two sections: at the back, the first section combines the bathroom, dressing room, and bedroom, now opened up by a large window onto the second section. On the courtyard side, the latter houses the kitchen, a workspace, and the living room, in a continuous space that allows light to flow through. The identity and homogeneity of the space is reinforced by the use of Okoumé plywood for all the custom-made woodwork: a refined yet warm choice… But also a clever nod to Maud’s profession. This renovation has given its owner a space that reflects her personality and remains entirely on a human scale.
