collaborative design studio ABACO has completed the renovation of a small 42 m2 apartment in the heart of paris, france. set within a modern hotel-like building next to the marriott, the flat accommodates a couple of greek actors looking for a 24h home-office. the redesign corresponds to the client’s needs and preferences, generating a colorful, bright interior, with spatial elements that remind of greek villages and the aegean sea. 

the greek apartment in paris features a plastic wall as a curtain stage 1
all images by xhuliano lacinaj & giulia agostinelli

 

 

ABACO has developed the project focusing on the clients’ main requests. the couple has asked for a bright interior with optimal natural lighting, that features the color blue and includes a space where they can perform. in order to translate these three needs into meaningful concepts, it was necessary to imagine different ways of living and working within the domestic space.

the greek apartment in paris features a plastic wall as a curtain stage 2
the wooden static volume emphasizes the contrast with the plastic undulating wall

 

 

the ‘greek apartment’ is a completely open space to be experienced intensely all day long, in motion, and at 360 degrees. for that specific need of freedom and motion, the flat has been redesigned based on the element of the void. all functions have been pushed and embodied into the boundary walls, freeing the area in the center. there are two curtains, one made of fabric and one made of plastic; a proper curtain, and a symbolic one. both have an important role in the script, they encourage flexibility, while setting the stage for the occupants.

the greek apartment in paris features a plastic wall as a curtain stage 4
the wooden platform that supports the bed, serves at the same time as a stage

 

 

the relationship with greece and the sea has been constant in the narrative construction of the project and its identity. metaphorically speaking, the whiteness of the greek villages winds through as a curtain stage to light up the space. meanwhile, the blue of the aegean sea creates punctual micro-universes.

the greek apartment in paris features a plastic wall as a curtain stage 3
the white plastic wall reshapes the interior, while accommodating multiples functions

 

 

the apartment is conceptually divided into two well-structured parts. the first one is very static and volumetric, built as a long and unique piece of wood furniture. this installation hides the bathroom bathroom disguising its door as a wardrobe opening. a sleeping area is elevated on a platform with a yellow-lime curtain ensuring privacy. the kitchen is placed by a white niche, while a blue alcove offers a comfortable, sheltered enclosure for reading near the window.

the greek apartment in paris features a plastic wall as a curtain stage 5
the bookcase shelves are fixed into the plastic undulating wall, next to the blue niche of the office

 

 

on the other hand, the second main component of the interior is a plastic dynamic wall leading from the entrance to the living room. all along its surface, different signs and objects are showcased to identify and to detect different situations: coat racks, books, table and floor lamp, stickers, etc. in this sense, the plastic wall is conceived as an abstract supporting element with an identity that can easily be reshaped.

the greek apartment in paris features a plastic wall as a curtain stage 6
a white shelf with a turntable and a lips & tongue rolling stone sticker identifies a music corner

 

 

the undulated plastic wall has a major has the main aim to bring light in; it acts as a screen to diffuse the light. in fact the inclination of the profiles has been optimized according to sun rays directions in order to provide maximum natural illumination during the day. the existing wood floor covering has been reconstructed and tinted in a white-grey polished finishing. 

the greek apartment in paris features a plastic wall as a curtain stage 7
a blue alcove offers a comfortable, sheltered enclosure for reading near the window

the greek apartment in paris features a plastic wall as a curtain stage 8
reading and cooking in the same oak ‘cabinet’

the greek apartment in paris features a plastic wall as a curtain stage 9
a completely open space where all the functions co-exist

the greek apartment in paris features a plastic wall as a curtain stage 11
the bathroom is hidden inside the wooden volume, and it is completely covered with white square tiles

the greek apartment in paris features a plastic wall as a curtain stage 12
the kitchen is integrated within a white niche into the long wood furniture

the greek apartment in paris features a plastic wall as a curtain stage 10
finger groove handle detail of the kitchen

 

 

project info:

 

name: the greek apartment 
interior design: ABACO – collaborative design studio
location: paris, france
area: 42 m2
woodworking: AFM

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom