Michael Herrman, principal of French studio Ateliers Michael Herrman recently renovated a duplex apartment in a late 18th century building for him and his family.
Located in the eighth-arrondissement of Paris, France, the now 1,500 square foot, three bedroom apartment features a clear glass floor above the dining area to bring daylight to both levels. According to the architects: Sitting on the top two floors by Paris’s Place de la Madeleine, this 140 m2 (1500 ft2) residence was created by unifying 12 maids’ rooms on two levels. The result is a three bedroom duplex apartment that both preserves the character of the 200 year-old building in which it is located, yet is a uniquely loft-style space in the heart of Paris. The apartment is based upon the concept of a museum: the original limestone walls and oak beams have been excavated and displayed with archaeological precision. The addition of a glass floor and walls allows each room to retain a powerful sense of openness, to be visually connected with one another and with the views of the sky and rooftops of Paris. The apartment takes on a surreal feeling through this blurring of the edge between the interior and exterior, as well as the multiple layers of transparent and reflective glass surfaces. All of the elements in the apartment are functional, whether inside or outside, including the exterior fireplace. The use of glass is carried through the design, and includes the glass cabinets in the kitchen, and glass tiles, counters, and fixtures throughout the apartment. The three bedrooms are located on both levels at the opposite end of the apartment, served by private bathrooms, and organized around a separate courtyard.”
