Nestled in the heart of Le Marais in Paris, this apartment was once both the residence and workspace of the renowned architect François Mansart. 

Constructed in 1642, the building was commissioned by Mansart and remained his home until his death in 1666. His nephew, Jules-Hardouin Mansart, also lived here.

The apartment features a terrace overlooking a lush inner courtyard with century-old trees and an ancient well, providing views of the Hôtel Donon, now home to the Cognacq-Jay Museum.

The current residents, a young couple with a small child, have recently returned to Paris after years abroad in New York, London, Sydney, and Tokyo.

This project honors the apartment’s rich history while offering a contemporary reinterpretation of 17th-century classical architecture. 

The design emphasizes simplicity in lines, proportions, and symmetry, with restrained ornamentation reflecting modern aesthetics.

Decor elements combine Italian design with travel-inspired, particularly Asian influences, mirroring the owners’ experiences. Ceramics by Marie Saint Bris and photographs by Carmen Bouyer adorn the living room. A triglyph frieze and Doric columns, crafted by a skilled French plaster artisan, frame the main living area. 

The parquet flooring pays tribute to the grandeur of François Mansart’s ballroom floor at the Château de Maisons.

Every detail bridges past and present, creating a harmonious blend of classical elegance and contemporary living.

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Photography by Giulio Ghirardi