Renovating a duplex: the art of optimization in the heart of Paris

How to unlock a place's potential and maximize its value

Transforming the Improbable into a Parisian Cocoon by Studio Gazelles

The project involved transforming a 70 m² duplex, partitioned and lacking character, located on the top floor of a historic building in the Faubourg Montmartre district, into a bright and functional family space in the heart of the Montorgueil neighborhood in Paris's 2nd arrondissement. The intervention illustrates the ability to manage the typical constraints of small Parisian spaces, particularly the lack of natural light and the need to optimize every square meter for modern and convivial family living. Maximizing the open-plan living areas allowed for the capture and diffusion of natural light. The living room and kitchen were combined into a single volume, structured by a subtle interplay of steps and different levels, using high-quality materials to create distinct and elegant zones. The entrance is defined by a custom-made transparent glass partition, an emblematic solution of Parisian design, which preserves the flow of light while incorporating optimized storage.

The rigorous selection of materials and the technical expertise of the craftsmen made it possible to overcome several challenges. The kitchen combines olive green tones on optimized cabinetry with a matte terracotta floor and a bar-style backsplash. The tile layout was executed with great precision for an impeccable final result. The bathroom was designed to accommodate a shower, a toilet, and a vanity unit, with the toilet relocated under the slope of the stairs and the entrance marked by two colorful arches. The floor mixes terracotta and white checkerboard tiles, creating a subtle rhythm and illustrating attention to detail.
The master bedroom, initially oversized, was subdivided to create a dressing area accessible through an open archway and optimized with modular storage units. The bedroom incorporates a custom-made headboard with built-in niches and pendant lights, creating a true sanctuary of rest. The mezzanine space, transformed into a separate teenager's bedroom, was enclosed by a glass partition and a custom-made door, while the attic was converted into custom storage to maximize functionality.
This renovation of the Montorgueil duplex perfectly illustrates Studio Gazelles' expertise, experience, authority, and reliability in creating spaces that maximize light, space, and style, while meeting the needs of contemporary family life.