H2o Architects

The “Front And Back” Apartment

The “Front And Back” Apartment
© Julien Attard

THE “FRONT AND BACK” APARTMENT

h2o architectes

ARCHITECTS
h2o architectes

PHOTOGRAPHS
Julien Attard

YEAR
2008

LOCATION
Paris, France

CATEGORY
Apartment Interiors

Text description provided by architect.

It was a singular brief from a young Parisian advertising executive also avid collector of comic strips. 

He wished to live in a fresh environment, both serene and sparkling despite the fact that his existing space was dilapidated.

The “Front And Back” Apartment
© Julien Attard
The “Front And Back” Apartment
© Julien Attard

Its geometry confusing, compartmentalized and contorted. The original apartment consisted of 6 rooms squeezed into 60 sq. meters, the entry space alone was 5 sq. meters and had 7 different doors!

The new design offers a continuous wide open space which expands, becomes more complex or dense depending on orientations and uses. These variances are defined by the variable geometries and the usable thickness of the casework and walls. 

The “Front And Back” Apartment
© Julien Attard
The “Front And Back” Apartment
© Julien Attard

A study on sculpting these depths allowed to create a variety of cavities, niches and alcoves. The sculpted shapes vary in size and colours to adapt to multiple functions in different locations. They can harbour either the vast collection of comic strips or a bar, a bathroom, a closet, and so on.

The front side of each shape always maintains its negative volume on the back. Behind the scenes can unveiled new uses taking place like cupboards, a desk, video, shelves, etc... In this manner, the apartment is continuously renewed and cross-views can become through-views.

The “Front And Back” Apartment
© Julien Attard


The “Front And Back” Apartment
Plan
The “Front And Back” Apartment
Plan
The “Front And Back” Apartment
Plan
The “Front And Back” Apartment
Plan

H2o Architects
T +33 9 64005281 F +33 1 44549164
H2o Architects
10 Cité d'Angoulême, 75011 Paris, France