Project: Apartment XVII
Architecture: Studio Razavi Architecture
Location: Lyon, France
Area: 80 m2
Year: 2019
Photo Credits: Simone Bossi
Apartment XVII, designed by Studio Razavi Architecture, offers a striking renovation in the heart of Lyon, France. This apartment is located in a XVIth-century building within a beautifully preserved Renaissance neighborhood, providing a unique historical backdrop for modern living.
Celebrating Historical Features
The design of Apartment XVII emphasizes and enhances the original architectural elements of the building. Two massive stone fireplaces, oversized oak beams, and 14-foot ceilings anchor the space with historical character. Studio Razavi Architecture restored these elements, ensuring they remained a central focus of the apartment. These features not only connect the space to its rich history but also provide a powerful contrast to the modern design elements introduced.
Creating an Introspective Space
Designed for a young scientist who lives alone, the apartment’s interior fosters reflection and creative seclusion. Studio Razavi Architecture employed a minimalist approach, using a single material and a limited color palette to craft a cohesive and calming environment. Wood floors and rough plaster work on the walls enhance the simplicity and allow the apartment’s historical features to take center stage.
Thoughtful Design and Functionality
The apartment’s layout includes a single bedroom and bathroom, along with a living room, dining room, and kitchen. Each space is designed to be functional and aesthetically pleasing, maximizing the use of the apartment’s unique architecture while providing a comfortable, modern living environment. The overall design achieves a balance between history and modernity, creating a retreat where both can coexist harmoniously.
Apartment XVII by Studio Razavi Architecture demonstrates how historical architecture can be preserved and enhanced through thoughtful, minimalist design, resulting in a unique living space that honors the past while fully embracing modern living.
