INTERIORS I Paris
An apartment that once housed Napoleon's private study is now home to architect Jorris Poggioli who, deeply aware of the historical weight of the place, its energy and the enduring presence of its past, orchestrated the renovation of the 90-square-metre residence, transforming it into a contemporary sanctuary. At the heart of the project lies a delicate balance between past and present—a profound respect for history, thoughtfully reinterpreted through a modern lens. When the architect first encountered the apartment, hidden beneath layers of later alterations, he immediately sensed a connection with its past—a past that seemed to be asking to be rediscovered and allowed to speak once again.
The apartment carries an unmistakable sense of grandeur rooted in the architecture of the Napoleonic era. Jorris Poggioli saw this not simply as a historical legacy, but as an opportunity to honour the spirit of the place while introducing a contemporary, minimalist vision that resonates with the way we live today.
Restoring the apartment's original architectural features became much more than a technical exercise—it was an act of storytelling. Every moulding, every section of parquet flooring and every fireplace became a character in the narrative. Removing the alterations introduced over the decades resembled an archaeological excavation, revealing fragments of the past layer by layer, with equal measures of reverence and discovery. The architect understood that preserving these elements was not merely a matter of conservation, but of allowing them to become active participants in an ongoing dialogue with contemporary design.
The renovation itself was not without challenges. Modernising the apartment while preserving its historical integrity required a constant balance between innovation and respect for its architectural heritage.
The craftsmanship of the Napoleonic period is unparalleled, and it was essential for the architect and his team to honour this legacy while integrating the standards of contemporary living. This demanded carefully considered decisions regarding materials, lighting and the overall atmosphere, ensuring that the apartment could meet modern expectations without compromising its historic soul.
The remarkable ceiling height of 4.20 metres proved to be a gift in itself, influencing many of the design decisions that followed. It called for an architectural response conceived on a larger scale, both physically and conceptually. The space itself became a canvas for creative expression, where void and volume invite contemplation and allow the architecture to breathe freely.
Preserving this sense of openness and lightness became a guiding principle throughout the project. To achieve this, the architect introduced a number of bold yet carefully measured interventions, including an oversized headboard in the bedroom and a mezzanine reminiscent of the prow of a ship. Although contemporary in expression, these additions never compete with the historic setting. Instead, they establish a subtle symbiotic relationship between old and new, allowing the apartment's layered history to coexist naturally with a restrained contemporary vocabulary.
Photography by Alice Mesguich
Words by Luminița Diculescu
Discover the full version of this story in Volume III.