Reviving Theatricality
Jean Benoît Vétillard Architecture breathes new life into the Gambetta Apartment, infusing it with a sense of drama and dynamism. With its 100 square meters of Haussmannian elegance, the flat’s unique features—curved walls, hidden doors, and intricate moldings—serve as the canvas for a bold architectural transformation. Embracing the apartment’s theatrical character, the renovation project amplifies existing geometries and introduces sculptural forms, expanding the original plan while preserving its essence.
A Play of Depth and Dimension
The renovated space is a study in depth, with each room carefully choreographed to serve as both stage and backdrop. Multifunctional furniture crafted from oiled okoume wood and brushed aluminum punctuates the interior, delineating zones and blurring the boundaries between function and form. From the kitchen concealing the entrance to the child’s bedroom to the living room doubling as a library and parental bedroom, every element serves a dual purpose, creating a dynamic interplay of spaces.
Preservation and Transformation
Crucially, the design respects the integrity of the original structure, allowing its historic features to shine once more. Light floods in from Boulevard Gambetta, casting a soft glow on the white stucco walls and oak parquet floors, which have been lovingly restored to their former glory. Despite the bold interventions, the apartment’s material palette remains true to its heritage, seamlessly blending old and new to create a harmonious living environment.
In essence, the Gambetta Apartment stands as a testament to the power of architectural intervention to transform and elevate space. Jean Benoît Vétillard Architecture has succeeded in reimagining a historic gem for modern living, preserving its theatrical charm while infusing it with contemporary sophistication.
Eleanor Russell
