Tournefort Apartment
A MONASTIC ATMOSPHERE The apartment lies at the top floor of a 17th century building, previously occupied by nuns. The atmosphere is peaceful thanks to the thick old walls and the protected green courtyard. Furniture is limited as the stairs are very narrow. Everything had to be reassembled on site during the renovation. Internal shutters were added to enhance the meditative space.
BIG APARTMENT IN SMALL SPACE This former nun’s cell has been transformed into a self-sufficient “pied a terre,” in which the client wished to create two separate spaces. Among some other wishes were: a good storage capacity, an open kitchen, a south-oriented bed, and ease of maintenance. The result is a more compact and spatially optimized space, like a boat’s cabin.
INTERLOCKING ELEMENTS All technical elements were integrated: into the raised floor, the draining board, the entry closet and the furniture base. The apartment has been separated in three main spaces thanks to the furniture: wet rooms, living room and bed room. The high furniture separates the main two spaces, every each side with a specific use: cupboards are above a seating area on the kitchen side, a closet on the passage side, a bed board and bookcase on the bedroom side. Cables and electrical elements were imbedded. Wall lamps and plugs were ergonomically situated. The shelf next to the seat and the built in mirror add comfort and a sense of self-sufficiency to the place.
SOLID BUT LIGHT FURNITURE The built in furniture is made of solid materials (which makes the place easy to clean) and is appointed with careful details. The furniture is made of light plywood with oak veneer. Two grooves have been engraved in the bed board, making it look like a large wardrobe in trompe-l’oeil. The central furniture is made of two different volumes, separated by only few centimeters. Therefore it allows a visual opening and light on each side. The cupboard stops before it reaches the ceiling and is covered with a piece of wickerwork for transparency. The whole look is light, but grounded.
MIXING TRADITION AND MODERNITY Spaces are identified by material: wood for dry spaces, tiles for wet spaces. Every corner was considered with care. For example, a former alcove was sheathed with wood to create a cozy desk. The furniture is built into the eaves and surrounds the existing windows. The original floor was enhanced and traces of a former stove were maintained. All these details highlight the history and typology of the place. It is a subtle mix between classicism and modernity while maintaining the original spirit of the architecture.
- Mission: apartment renovation, furniture included (armoire, bench seat, desk, door handle)
- Area: less than 27 m²
- Building time: 2 months
- Price: 40 000€
