Loft Saint-Maur
Renovation of the 2nd floor of an industrial building in the 11th arrondissement in Paris.
In a popular East-Parisian neighbourhood, a young couple wished to transform a 125 sq. m. loft they had acquired. Located on the 3rd floor of an old textile factory, the space – composed of varying heights and volumes – had promising potential. However, a certain dose of foresight and anticipation was needed in order to integrate a dense program, all the while preserving the 12 feet high main volume.
In effect, the loft was to be comprised of a living room/kitchen space, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a laundry room, numerous storage spaces, a vestibule, as well as an access to the roof. To achieve this, a play of programmatic imbrication in the main volume allowed the existing space to maintain its effect of verticality. As a result, the guest bedroom is located on the mezzanine above the entrance vestibule; the laundry room, bathrooms and access to the roof are lodged in the bottommost volume, in which the children’s bedroom and its adjoining bathroom are also embedded. As for the parents’ bedroom and their respective bathroom, they are set in a compact zone contiguous to the entrance vestibule.
The main space thusly conserves the totality of its volume. As to accentuate its proportions, a white marble kitchen countertop, with all its storage space, stretches the entire length of this focal space. Opposite to it, a library, made of dark wood and worked as a cabinet of curiosities, composes the totality of the wall.
The apartment was designed with the office Antonio Virga, and also in close collaboration with the clients concerning the idea of volumes adapted to their lifestyle. The large focal volume that was preserved thus allows artwork and singular furniture to be revealed, while finishes and colors create supplemental warmth and spirit to the apartment.
