Innovation
This terrace house is in the fast-growing Hauts-de-Seine area, near to a new Parisian metro station. The brick façade is built at the property limit and is at an angle, relative to the home’s long and narrow format (only 3.8m at its widest and 1.8m at its narrowest). There is a small backyard garden plot that was disconnected, and internal circulation was limited. The challenges presented by the site required a total rethink of the floor plan and the distribution of spaces that would be appropriate for the client’s request for a concept studio house - a studio layout apartment within the format of a house.

Functionality
The relationship between the house and street provided an opportunity to generate architecturally dynamic spaces. New openings in the walls and the floors of a restrictively angled space allowed for improved circulation, volume and light and also highlighted the constraints of the site not as a default but as something functional and beautiful. 

Creativity
No rules, periods or styles were adhered to when it came to the design and decoration of the house. Despite the lawless approach, an overarching harmony was found in unexpected but complementary compositions of colour, material and decorative arts, all accentuated by dramatic volume and varied penetration of shadow and light. Our goal was to achieve an unexpected complexity and richness of experience.

Sustainability
A lot of thought was given to improving the energy performance of the house. Steps taken include: insulation to the façade walls; all windows and doors installed were high quality thermal break and double glazed; electric radiators were changed for efficient water radiators, solar protection and light modulating external venetian blinds were installed, and the cross-ventilation was enhanced through the addition of new windows. Materials and finishes were carefully chosen to be as holistic as possible, favouring those which can be recycled and contribute to a healthy living environment. For example, lime plaster was used throughout the project, known for its ecological qualities and ability to absorb CO2.