With their eye for detail and passion for sustainable design, Hurdequint and Bravard have transformed this space into a harmonious abode that showcases the heritage of the building while embracing a minimalistic design atmosphere.
Upon entering Fourvière Apartment, visitors are greeted by a visually striking feature—a floor-to-ceiling painted corridor that seamlessly connects every room. This corridor serves as the backbone of the apartment, facilitating an effortless flow between spaces. To create an illusion of more space, a full-size mirror is cleverly placed at the end of the corridor, visually extending its length. Furthermore, the architects utilised the corridor's left side, narrowing its width to gain additional closet and storage space, cleverly concealed behind two doors.
Natural light plays a pivotal role in the apartment's design. The architects meticulously aligned the doors with the windows, allowing an abundant influx of light throughout the day, particularly during the captivating moments of sunrise and sunset.
We made sure that all the doors were aligned with the windows, so the light would go through the apartment, and especially at sunrise and sunset.
This deliberate integration of light enhances the overall ambience of the apartment and creates a serene and inviting atmosphere.
Entering the living room, the gaze is immediately drawn to the balcony and the breathtaking views it offers.
We fell in love immediately with the stunning views on the Saône River, the city center and then the Alps, including the Mont Blanc.
To infuse a sense of fun and vibrancy, the architects painted the balcony floor in Majorelle Blue. This space serves as a cherished spot for the occupants to enjoy their weekend breakfasts while relishing the picturesque scenery. Vintage armchairs from the 60s, a coffee table, and a sofa, which doubles as an extra bed, create a comfortable seating area in the living room. Along the back wall, a long piece of furniture with oak doors cleverly conceals a library and a radiator, while the blank wall above serves as a screen for their projector. The architects ingeniously used IKEA elements to craft an oak board, which seamlessly fits within the space, tying together the kitchen, living room, and bedroom.
The kitchen in Fourvière Apartment exemplifies the architects' commitment to a minimalistic design approach. To maximise the living room's space, low kitchen cabinets with drawers were chosen to maintain an unobtrusive aesthetic. Quartz countertops, along with white taps, sink, and induction cooktop, further accentuate the minimalist charm. Adjacent to the kitchen, the architects created a small pantry room, aptly named "Cabistou." Custom-made in red fiberboard, Cabistou discreetly houses appliances such as an oven, a fridge, a vacuum cleaner, and groceries, ensuring a clutter-free kitchen.
The dining area features an oak-finished table capable of accommodating up to ten guests with the addition of various stools scattered throughout the apartment. By carefully removing the plaster from the kitchen's back wall, the architects revealed the structural wall, further emphasising the building's heritage.
Moving towards the master bedroom, the corridor guides one through a space that receives ample natural light from a large window. The architects utilised a pocket system for the bedroom door, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the wall and create a more spacious feel. The play of light on the textured wall adds a touch of serenity to the room. A low cabinet with oak doors, similar to the one in the living room, stores books and conceals the radiator. On top of the cabinet, cherished items, plants, and family photographs are thoughtfully displayed. The floor-to-ceiling wardrobe doors were custom-made and painted white to resemble a wall, maintaining the minimalistic theme. Throughout the apartment, wood-derived elements further enhance the connection to nature.
The architects designed Alma's bedroom, located by the entrance, with optimal space utilisation in mind. A pocket sliding door maximises the available space, allowing for the inclusion of a small wardrobe, which is softened by a floor-to-ceiling curtain. Personal touches, such as Maxime's drawings and leftover paint from the apartment, adorn Alma's room, adding a unique and sentimental charm.
The bathroom, concealed behind another door in the corridor, showcases a striking minimalistic design. Waxed concrete dominates the space, imparting a sense of simplicity and tranquillity. A ledge cleverly hides the pipes and serves as a perch for plants, creating a connection to nature even in this intimate space. The hanging basin extends into the shower area, while built-in storage ingeniously accommodates the washing machine, hot water tank, and other bathroom essentials. Additionally, a small room for the toilet is conveniently located at the entrance of the bathroom.
Through their creative design choices, the architects have seamlessly integrated the original spirit of the building with contemporary aesthetics and functionality. This meticulously crafted space not only showcases the heritage of the building but also provides its occupants with a serene and minimalistic haven.
As an architect, when it comes to designing a home, I'm always looking for harmony and wellbeing. I think it's always better to reuse rather than destroy and rebuild. I think it's the best way to reduce our land footprint and also energy consumption. This way we take advantage of the heritage of the building to turn it into something new.
Images by NeverTooSmall
