Located in a historic and highly sought-after condominium in the 10th arrondissement, this apartment with its industrial origins was in good condition, but its U-shaped floor plan deserved to be rethought. It is built around a 9 m2 terrace, whose charm was just waiting to be revealed.

Objective

Rediscover a plan that’s easier to live in, with an open kitchen, larger shower room, separate WC and, of course, more storage space. Bring the terrace back to life as a real bonus room. More light in the kitchen.

Line of conduct

Preserve the atypical charm of the premises and the remarkable old features. Echo the greenery of the terrace by punctuating the apartment with flat expanses of green.

Assume the “countryside in Paris” ambience, which combines industrial codes (black metal skylights, antique doors, retro-style electric radiators), country-inspired antique furniture such as the farm table and framed kitchen fronts, and the Mediterranean softness embodied by the raw materials of the South of France: terracotta and waxed concrete.

Implementation

A complete renovation that places the kitchen next to the terrace, giving each a place at the heart of the apartment. A previously under-utilized space was upgraded with the creation of a custom-made office, entirely painted a deep green to become a real bonus room.

A parquet floor painted white to unify the whole and let the light circulate: a bold choice, but one that paid off.

An ultra-optimized bathroom in which waxed concrete-covered formwork conceals technical elements and creates hidden niches and storage.

Original plans & project

A haven of peace and light with simple beauty.

  • Crédits photosBertrand Fompeyrine BCDF
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The before …

LARIBOISIÈRE

Located between boulevard de la Chapelle and rue de Paradis, the Lariboisière district is full of good gourmet addresses not to be missed.

This district, which owes its name to the eponymous hospital located nearby, is home to this sublime building, built in 1846 under the direction of the architect Martin-Pierre Gauthier. Its Chapel and its interior galleries create a worked and refined decor that is worth the detour. Another building to admire: the Saint-Vincent-de-Paul church designed by the architect Jacques-Ignace Hittorff in 1844. Its predominantly neoclassical style finds its inspiration in Greek temples and Roman basilicas.

Urban and lively, the district is punctuated with food shops and very good restaurants as well as places of cultural interest such as the Bouffe-du-Nord theatre, making it a perfect district for epicureans.

It is also adorned with a beautiful green setting, including the Aristide-Cavaillé-Coll square, ideal for pleasant walks among the jasmines in bloom. Formerly called “Vielle-Montagne”, it culminates on one of the highest hills of the capital.

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PORTE SAINT-DENIS I PARADIS

Located in the 10th arrondissement near the Grands Boulevards, the Porte Saint-Denis I Paradis district has a popular and lively atmosphere.

Lively and colourful, the district has a multicultural atmosphere, inviting trendy places and good restaurants to take up residence there. Appreciated for its world cuisine and its still little-known gastronomic establishments, the district has become the little Eldorado of food-lovers.
Entering through the arches of the Porte Saint-Denis, you will discover charming little passages and some superb Art Nouveau buildings. For a stopover in Pondicherry, take the Brady Passage, also called “Little India”. A veritable Ali Baba’s cave, it offers spices, incense, clay and other exotic products that will take you on an olfactive world tour in a few moments. Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, renamed “rue de la soif”, is home to numerous bars and cafés with a relaxed atmosphere where people like to meet at the end of the day.

A new trendy district to the delight of its residents.

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LOUIS BLANC

Nestled between the Gare du Nord and the boulevard de la Villette, the Louis Blanc district is in full rebirth.

Formerly a working-class district of the 10th arrondissement, the area has undergone a metamorphosis in recent years. Now a trendy district, its calm and romantic atmosphere is attracting Parisians and is gradually attracting upmarket shops and small friendly addresses. Close to the Canal Saint-Martin, the neighbourhood invites you to take a nice stroll along the Quai de Valmy, which is exclusively pedestrian on weekends. At its end, you cross the footbridge of the Villette locks to come across the Place de la Bataille de Stalingrad with its charming fountain and rotunda. Here, life comes alive around Rue La Fayette and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin with its bars and restaurants

The Louis Blanc district is undergoing a major transformation, allowing its former character to shine through while at the same time letting itself be won over by the effervescent atmosphere of the surrounding districts.

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LES GARES

Located in the 10th arrondissement, the Les Gares district has established itself as a real meeting point for Parisians.

Regarded as the most frequented European railway station, the Gare du Nord welcomes thousands of travellers every day from England, the Netherlands and Belgium. Built in 1861 by the architect Jacques Ignace Hittorff, the building is recognisable by its modern neo-classical style and its majestic façade decorated with statues. Not far from it is the Gare de l’Est, just as central as its sister station. The oldest station in Paris, it bears the imprint of a rich historical past and serves, as its name suggests, the far east of Europe. A real invitation to travel, this district is home to “Little India”, the Indian heart of the capital. It’s an inviting place to wander through the smells of spices and the bright colours of fabrics. This little Mumbay, populated with restaurants and atypical places, takes us to the crossroads of cultures.

A hub of national and international exchange, this district benefits greatly from the attractiveness of its two train stations and is home to numerous shops, boutiques and restaurants for the enjoyment of its inhabitants and travellers alike.

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Porte Saint-Martin I Republique

Halfway between the Porte Saint-Denis and the Saint Martin canal, is the lively and lively Porte Saint-Martin I République district.

Lively district of the capital, Porte Saint-Martin I République is a favorite place for Parisians, as it is full of cafes, museums, theaters and concert halls, never leaving room for boredom.

Symbolized by its monument to the effigy of Marianne which sits in its center, the Place de la République is known for its effervescence. Surrounded by shops and restaurants, it has become, over the years, the place for festive and committed gatherings.
Extending the upper Marais, rue du Château d’Eau is home to galleries, record stores, decoration shops and organic cafés, giving it the air of a small village. Rue René Boulanger, contemplate the facades of buildings reminiscent of New York architecture and have lunch in one of its many restaurants. We end with the covered market of Saint-Martin and its “Baltard style” building, pleasant to walk around and ideal for finding good fresh produce.

Its restaurants, places of culture and entertainment make Porte Saint-Martin I République a friendly and festive district in constant turmoil, day and night.

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