A Paris Apartment with Artful, Architectural Interventions from Corpus Studio

This is the sort of Parisian apartment we long for with just the right amount of renovation, merging historic character with modern aesthetics and improved livability. The one bedroom apartment, situated in an Haussmann building, is the work of architects Ronan Le Grand and Konrad Steffensen of Paris-based design firm Corpus Studio who aim for “poetic and emotive spaces that heighten the experience of our surroundings.”


In the renovation, Le Grand and Steffensen were tempted to knock down the partition walls of the apartment to create an open layout, but opted to retain the original division of space preferring the well-proportioned layout and space distribution inherent to the building in order to preserve its historic character. Instead, they updated the space by way of “architectural intervention at certain nodal points,” they explain, such as an oblique walled entry, semi-circular wall niches, and a modern kitchen clad in aluminum and smoked mirrors. Join us for a tour including details on the vintage and decorative elements within.


Photography by Christophe Coënon courtesy of Corpus Studio unless otherwise noted.
While small, the living room is designed appropriately with minimal, eclectic furniture. The main window is framed with two arched niches to showcase decorative objects with integrated lighting. The sofa is the Pierre Augustin Rose Black Velvet 240 Sofa, the table is a Maarten Stuer ceramic table sourced from Galerie Aurélien Gendras, the mint green armchair is the In Praise of Epicurus Chair from 1987 by Ettore Sottsass from Galerie Yves Gastou, and the rug is the Moodz Rug from Annie Pate.
Above: The hand-carved oak panels are “Buste de Femme” by Jean Touret and the vase pictured is by Armand Bedu from 1940. “The curtains and blinds have been installed to filter light with dramatic effect, creating an aura of serenity that deepens as the colors of the sunlight change throughout the day,” the designers say.
Above: A detail of the Ettore Sottsass chair. Note the subtle wall panel beneath the arched niche that offers enclosed storage space in the small living room.
Above: The view from the bedroom door into the living space frames the Jean Touret artwork.
Above: Here, Corpus Studio built out a “theatrically oblique walled entryway” with pastel-hued faceted walls and a pair of Paavo Tynell 9464 Brass Sconces from 1947.
Above: Integrated oak shelving in the entryway displays a a Pierre Martinon Untitled IV stoneware sculpture and cracked ceramic ram attributed to Primavera from 1930 both sourced from Galerie Aurélien Gendras. The floors throughout the apartment are smoke-tinted oak.
Above: The kitchen was a full remodel with a linear work area and cabinetry made up of brushed aluminum panels with brass details. The stoneware fruit bowl is an André Rozay piece from 1946 and the teapot is a Christopher Dresser teapot from 1890 sourced at Au Bain Marie.
Above: The kitchen leads to a built-in bench set into a rounded, semi-circular alcove that was newly built out. It’s upholstered in Dedar Marabou velvet chenille fabric. The glass table is bespoke by Corpus Studio. The bronze sculpture is titled “Mother Courage” by Edmond Moirignot from 1989 sourced from Galerie Laroche.
Above: A wider view into the dining area shows the critical space offered by the newly built alcove. The pine chair is by modernist French architect Dominique Zimbacca from 1970. The pendant is the Tratten Pendant by Hans-Agne Jackobsson.


Smoked mirror pantry cupboards line the wall opposite to the work area to enlarge the space. They “are offset from one another to add a subtle rhythm and break up the linearity,” the designers explain.
Above: The bedroom is “deliberately sparse with no wardrobes, cornices, or wall fixtures to avoid visual clutter,” says Corpus Studio. Doors and closets are integrated and flush with the wall and a curtain of virgin wool runs the length of the opposite façade wall. The bedside lamp is the Michel Boyer Brasilia Lamp from 1970. The mohair throw is the Rangitātā Honey Throw from Grace Atkinson.
Above: The bathroom is reminiscent of 1940s interior design with pale green glass mosaic tile and integrated mirrors of various dimensions form a triptych. The sink is a custom triangular-shaped wash basin.
Above: Among the triptych mirror is a fluted glass screen diffusing light from an LED panel behind.The marble sculpture is a Roman panther head from 1st through 2nd century CE.
Above: Photograph of architectural designer Konrad Steffensen (left) and architect Ronan Le Grand (right) by Matthew Avignone courtesy of Corpus Studio.


For more striking Parisian interiors see our posts:



* Multiplying Light and Space: A Compact Paris Apartment with a Vintage Quality

* Indoor-Outdoor Living in Paris: A Windowless Warehouse Converted into a Family Loft, Central Courtyard Included

* Modernity in Outer Paris: A 1910 House in Île-de-France by Mudo Architecture

* A Porthole Passage and a Moving Bookcase: An Apartment Remodel for a Writer in Paris

* Modern Thrift: Lucile Demory’s Architect-Designed Rental in Paris | bit.ly/3XLoEJb


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