Haussmannian Apartment
Preserving heritage with a touch of understated, elegant modernity.
Project Overview
Reinterpreting the existing space without erasing its character
Located in the heart of Lyon's 6th arrondissement, this 146 sqm Haussmann-style apartment features the iconic hallmarks of this architecture: generous volumes, high ceilings, marble fireplaces, and large windows.
The challenge of the project was to preserve this heritage while adapting it to a contemporary lifestyle, without creating a disconnect between the existing architecture and the new design elements.
The intervention is based on the apartment's characteristic layout, organized around a vast central gallery that connects the various rooms. Rather than disrupting this flow, the project seeks to preserve its original layout while adapting each space for modern use.
The existing volumes, perspectives, and architectural elements serve as the starting point for the design. The contemporary interventions are intentionally restrained to engage in a dialogue with the Haussmann character rather than compete with it.
The overall design seeks a balance between classic elegance and contemporary restraint, to create a timeless, warm interior suited to modern living.
The architectural approach
Preserving heritage with a touch of understated, elegant modernity.
The volumes, fireplaces, proportions, and historical layout form the foundation of the project.
The contemporary intervention complements these elements without distorting them, through clean lines, a refined material palette, and layouts adapted to current needs.
The goal is not to recreate a period setting, but to evolve the apartment while preserving what gives it its character and elegance.
Materials & atmosphere
The palette combines wood, stone, natural tones, and touches of black metal, in a subtle dialogue between classic elements and contemporary design.
The materials, furniture, and lighting are chosen to bring warmth, depth, and softness to the spaces without cluttering the volumes.
We pay close attention to detail and consistency across all rooms to create a cohesive flow throughout the apartment, while still allowing each space to express its own unique character.
Conclusion
Preserving a space doesn't mean freezing it in time. It means allowing it to continue its story.
"Preserving a place does not mean freezing it in its history. It means allowing it to continue writing its story.”
