Monochrome in Light

This project involved the complete renovation of an apartment located in the very heart of Bordeaux’s historic center—a space untouched since its previous owners moved in, back in 1948.

With a floor plan stretched longitudinally around a central staircase, the priority was to maximize the natural light from its two opposing façades.

To achieve this, we opened up the layout as much as structurally possible and embraced an all-white palette, following the clients’ request. Yet, our contemporary interventions were conceived with discretion, so as to preserve the timeless charm of the apartment. All the original architectural features—cornices, stained glass windows, and wood paneling—were meticulously preserved. Structural openings in the load-bearing walls were rendered nearly invisible, as if the apartment had always been designed this way.

The layout now unfolds along two linear walls, each dedicated to a clear function: one houses the wet rooms, while the other forms a continuous ribbon of pale wood—a blond oak monochrome—containing all the apartment’s storage and integrated functions.

This bespoke oak joinery conceals and organizes the essential components of daily life: wardrobes, a bar, a foldaway guest bed, a home office, an entry cabinet, and more. Two textures—smooth and fluted—enhance the blond tone, casting delicate shadows and enriching the dialogue with the apartment’s original 18th-century ornamentation.

All service spaces are hidden within the joinery, revealed only upon approach—entered through concealed doors, much like discovering a contemporary boudoir.

The bathrooms feature tall marble elements that assert their presence through verticality, in harmony with the generous ceiling heights typical of 18th-century buildings. Wherever possible, original materials such as flooring, painted ceilings, and stained glass were restored in their original tones. Their presence is heightened by contrast with the white walls and surfaces, allowing each historical detail to stand out.

Without ever drawing attention to itself, this apartment—over two centuries old—now offers a modern standard of comfort, where even the air conditioning system is entirely concealed, preserving the calm and serenity of this urban retreat.

Crédit Photos : Studio FURAX