photo © Claude Weber

photo © Claude Weber

Looking through the works of the talented architectural practice SO-AN, we can’t resist publishing just one more of their atmospheric creations. Founded in 2001 by Isabelle Stanislas & Leiko Oshima this office is all about the success of contemporary living.

This particular star-shaped apartment situated on the Rue Le Notre of Paris, Frence,  with views of the Trocadero gardens, the Eiffel tower & the Seine river is an example of great craftsmanship and even greater attention to detail. The spectacular wood flooring alone is enough to understand the importance of having a single priceless piece within an interior that is simplistic and natural where  herring bone & diagonal shape formations throughout form a sense of the truly eclectic. Of course when it comes to the oval shaped dining room the floor pattern guides you to the center of the room and lets you admire the irregular symmetry. This space is truly & exquisitely circa 50’s style, with the light fixture at irregular heights adding dominance and nostalgia. One can easily imagine a 1950’s cocktail evening; dark suited men with their hair waxed back drinking martinis while their wives sit next to them wearing olive coloured gowns, diamante brooches and hair pinned up to give notice to the always favorite pearls.

photo © Claude Weber

photo © Claude Weber

photo © Claude Weber

photo © Claude Weber

photo © Claude Weber

photo © Claude Weber

Another example of the true greatness of what we call aesthetic detail are the sliding partitions present through out the apartment. The true exception that has all of us at hello were the window onyx like sliding partitions. Allowing a penetration of light through the iniquitous alabaster screens, the result is quite breathtaking. A sense of something so solid yet transparent, this is the apocalypse of aestheticism, an  optical illusion.  In general the sliding partitions are usual in SO-AN’s designs, one might even say that this is their signature feature which you see throughout their projects. Of course it does not stop there. In this residence the slide and pivot is used to conceal and impress. In the formal living room consisting mainly of wood paneling and solid earth tones the sliding partitions keep the TV concealed for those serious nights of impressive entertaining. Of course the true art form lies in the two spectacular light fixtures on either side of the panels designed by Michael Anastasiades. All light fixtures throughout have been custom made by MA & Ozone. With these unique pieces and the coffee table following the sliding panel illusion and the pivot column aviator type partitions, the whole interior speaks of one language. The language of severity & importance.

photo © Claude Weber

photo © Claude Weber

photo © Claude Weber

photo © Claude Weber

photo © Claude Weber

photo © Claude Weber

The casual living room/library is all about the exposition of character. Here one can easily imagine a woman lying down wearing a red long garment sliding to the floor, Vogue in one hand, lit cigarette in the other.  Of course when it comes to the master bathroom, it’s always-pure marble throughout. Another signature trademark of SO-AN. Walls, floors & vanity tops are clean cut and priceless. Following simplistic lines the complete marble fit out portrays the glorified quality while the fixtures retain a modern approach. There is a glamour to it all that makes you feel aristocratically simplistic. A marriage of two worlds, which are united only when true excellence is involved.
       
In conclusion this apartment is to dream of Paris and SO-AN has the absolute dream recipe.

photo © Claude Weber

photo © Claude Weber

photo © Claude Weber

photo © Claude Weber

photo © Claude Weber

photo © Claude Weber

photo © Claude Weber

photo © Claude Weber

A Modern Apartment Near The Eiffel Tower

1 of