Pushing back the walls: creating a micro-loft

The square meter challenge. Paris, 11th arrondissement. Two rooms of 6 and 7 m², unsanitary, no bathroom. But the potential was there: 3rd and top floor, bright and quiet thanks to south-facing orientation on courtyard, and especially recoverable attic space. We also identified the technical possibility of connecting to landing drains to create private sanitary facilities.

The soul of the project was found by looking upward. By exploiting the under-roof volume, we cleared 3.60 m ceiling height, allowing the creation of a mezzanine to isolate the sleeping area. This tiny studio now functions as a 2-room apartment where Parisian charm is articulated around an old wooden beam and post, revealed during the demolition of the central partition.

Bespoke as a solution. In such a constrained space, every cubic centimeter has a function. Custom furniture (folding table, storage stairs, built-in closet) improves circulation.

Energy performance. The installation of light solid oak parquet brings long-term value and brightness. Wood fiber insulation (roof) and polyurethane (walls) allows going from EPC G to C. The installation of a motorized Velux and ceiling fan allow ventilation and air destratification (heating savings in winter, freshness in summer).

On a small surface, the sequence of tasks tolerates no error. We managed a general contractor for technical shell works (electricity, insulation, plumbing) while reserving high value-added finishes (custom joinery, kitchen, floors) for dedicated artisan intervention.