Rochechouart
Located on Boulevard Marguerite de Rochachouart, at the foot of Sacré‐Cœur in Paris's 9th arrondissement, this space was previously occupied by an African barber shop. The clients desired a flexible space capable of accommodating various funcons, such as a gallery, shop, and bar.
To achieve this flexibility, the interior was stripped down to its bare essentials: floors, walls, ceilings, and mezzanine coverings were removed. The exposed structural elements, such as the stone masonry walls, became the defining features of the space.
A minimalist wooden structure was introduced to house the stairs, storage, technical installations, and staff access. This structure, finished in white, contrasts with the raw, exposed stone walls.
To maximize natural light, the mezzanine was stripped of its flooring and lining, leaving only the steel structure. Metal gratings were added to create a transparent floor, allowing light to filter through.
To balance the raw materials with a sense of domesticity, custom carpentry and metalwork elements were crafted both on‐site and off‐site.
The original façade was preserved, but the bay windows were restored to reveal the natural steel frame.
The façade was further enhanced with polished aluminum cladding, creating a contemporary contrast to the traditional Parisian shopfronts.
