Batiik Studio has masterfully reimagined a historic Haussmannian mansion in the heart of Paris, transforming its intricate, classical interiors into a vibrant, contemporary canvas for a discerning art collection. Architects Rebecca Benichou and Florence Jallet expertly navigated the delicate balance between preserving the building's rich heritage and infusing it with modern elegance. Their innovative approach involved cleverly concealing ornate details and introducing bespoke elements, resulting in a residence that is both a homage to its past and a beacon of contemporary design. This significant project showcases Batiik Studio's exceptional ability to adapt and innovate, creating a living space where art and architecture engage in a seamless dialogue, culminating in a perfectly matched environment.
Batiik Studio's Creative Transformation in a Parisian Home
In the bustling heart of Paris, an exceptional two-level apartment within a Haussmannian mansion, boasting an expansive private garden, underwent a remarkable transformation by Batiik Studio. The project, spearheaded by Rebecca Benichou and Florence Jallet, aimed to harmonize the apartment's historical opulence with the clients' desire for a modern aesthetic to showcase their art collection.
The existing grandeur, characterized by elaborate moldings, intricate mantels, and gilded mirrors, was deemed "too much" by Benichou. The renovation involved several strategic interventions. Some straightforward changes included removing oversized gilded mirrors. More complex endeavors entailed replacing redundant fireplaces with elegant cherry wood shelving, offering warmth and modern storage, and repositioning the main staircase to improve flow and visual appeal.
The most ingenious solution to the overwhelming moldings was the introduction of sculptural wall panels. These temporary, white planes, some smooth and matte, others textured, act as a contemporary veil, gracefully concealing the decorative elements without causing permanent alteration. This design choice provides clean, art-ready surfaces while preserving the original architecture, allowing future owners to reveal the historic walls if desired.
Beyond the walls, new horizontal surfaces were created to accommodate sculptural pieces. In the living area, a faceted fireplace crafted from gray-toned travertine adds sharp geometric contrast to the ornate setting. Its integrated plinth-like surfaces are ideal for displaying art. The kitchen's dining area features a custom ceramic-topped wooden table, designed by Benichou and Jallet, which dramatically swoops into the room, serving as a dynamic stage for rotating sculptures and social gatherings.
The apartment's modern basement presented a stark contrast, devoid of historical constraints. This blank slate allowed Batiik Studio to unleash their full creative potential. A dedicated atelier was crafted near the new staircase for the owner's artistic pursuits, featuring plaster walls with recessed and raised geometric patterns that add playful dimension. The TV room, embracing a dark blue palette, showcases similar Tetris-like patterns, providing an ideal backdrop for cinematic experiences.
In a guest bedroom, the designers used squared hunks of cast concrete to construct a bed frame, shower screen, and library, creating sculptural pedestals for art. The primary bedroom boasts a curving wall that gracefully conceals moldings and incorporates a niche for a Camille Romagnani vessel, flowing seamlessly onto a resin-treated wood floor. The main bathroom, once a separate studio, was reincorporated and features a custom tub beneath a Clément Mancini painting, with wooden niches for art books and small sculptures.
The outdoor terrace, previously dominated by a "weird" plaster fountain resembling fake stones, was refined to reveal a natural wall shape, creating a surprising backdrop for an outdoor living space. The collaboration between the clients' cherished furniture and Batiik Studio's interior architecture culminated in a harmonious environment where both elements elevate each other, embodying Jallet's sentiment: "It was meant to be."
This ambitious renovation by Batiik Studio exemplifies how architectural intervention can respectfully modernize historical spaces, creating functional, aesthetically pleasing, and deeply personal homes. The studio's meticulous attention to detail and innovative design solutions offer invaluable lessons for anyone looking to blend tradition with contemporary style, especially in historically significant properties. Their work underscores the potential for adaptive reuse to produce spaces that are not only beautiful but also deeply resonant with their inhabitants' lives and passions.