The former home and workshop of Claude Prouvé, the renowned architect-painter and son of legendary designer Jean Prouvé, is set to reopen as five luxury suites in Nancy, France. After remaining largely abandoned since Claude Prouvé's death in 2012, the historic building at 31 bis rue du Haut-Bourgeois has undergone a meticulous restoration that blends contemporary design with architectural heritage and vintage furnishings.
The ambitious project is the brainchild of three passionate partners who share a deep appreciation for architecture and design. Pascal Loux from LPI Immobilier serves as the passionate collector and project initiator, Robin Visconti, founder of the Côme concierge service, handles the client experience, and Rebeck-Vuchère, specialists in custom carpentry and finishes, manages the technical execution. Together, they have created a space that honors its storied past while embracing modern design sensibilities.
The building itself carries significant historical weight. Originally constructed in 1890 and initially occupied by a printing house, it later became the workshop and living space of Claude Prouvé, who followed in the footsteps of his father Jean Prouvé, one of France's most celebrated designers and constructors. The restoration team has worked tirelessly to preserve every salvageable element of the original structure while seamlessly integrating contemporary touches.
As a tribute to the Prouvé legacy, each of the five suites bears the name of a family member: Claude, Jean, Victor, Simone, and Catherine. "The names extend the history of the place. It's a way of keeping the presence alive, of continuing the story," explains Pascal Loux. Each room features its own distinct color palette and personality – from sunny yellow to deep blue, brick tones, and more muted nuances. However, all rooms share a common signature element: leopard-print carpeting with an imprinted floor plan of a prefabricated house designed by Claude and Jean Prouvé, adding an irreverent and playful touch to the sophisticated spaces.
The project's philosophy centers on preservation. "Everything we could save has been saved," emphasizes Loux. Original materials have been carefully conserved and reintegrated throughout the space. Every light fixture has been individually sourced from antique dealers, while the furniture combines design pieces with vintage finds to create a warm, lived-in atmosphere. "I hunt for pieces, I recover, I store... I'm obsessed with details, but that's what gives a place its soul," he explains.
The ground floor showcases beautifully restored 19th-century terracotta tiles that have been given new life. One of the suites features a private sauna installed in a magnificent vaulted cellar that has been preserved in its raw, original state. Elements from the original glass roof have been transformed into bas-reliefs, creating artistic focal points throughout the space. A striking new black metal staircase, though recently installed, appears to have always been part of the building's architecture and provides elegant access to the upper floors.
One of the most significant discoveries during renovation was a large 19th-century glass roof that had been hidden beneath a false ceiling for decades. Uncovering this architectural gem restored the original natural light to the house, dramatically enhancing the space's atmosphere. The restoration team has also incorporated numerous nods to Nancy's rich history throughout the building, including woodwork salvaged from the offices of Berger-Levrault printing house, a sign from an old shop on rue des Ponts reading "À la ville de Nancy" positioned under the glass roof, and signage from the legendary Le Stan bar used as a headboard.
The attention to detail extends even to the bathrooms, which feature sinks designed by Antonia Campi, a major figure in 20th-century ceramic art who specialized in bathroom fixture series during the 1960s. "I'm passionate about architecture and I collect sinks. Some of these were saved at the last minute to end up here," notes Loux, whose dedication to preserving design history is evident throughout the project.
While finishing touches continue to be refined ahead of the opening, the essential elements are already in place: the interplay of light, materials, and the dialogue between different volumes creates a cohesive and inspiring environment. The team plans to open within about two weeks, ensuring every detail meets their exacting standards.
Claude Prouvé Suites 31 bis positions itself as neither a traditional hotel nor a conventional bed and breakfast, instead embracing a hybrid approach that emphasizes complete visitor autonomy. The property features no reception desk, with access provided through QR codes, while à la carte services including champagne, massages, and treatments are available through the Côme concierge service. Despite the high level of finishes and care invested in the space, the team maintains clear accessibility goals. "We want beautiful, but beautiful that's accessible," summarizes Loux.
The opening is scheduled for just before Saint Nicholas Day, with room rates ranging from 90 to 270 euros depending on the suite and season. Those interested in following the project's progress can do so through the Instagram account @claudeprouve_31bis, which documents the ongoing transformation of this architectural gem in the heart of Nancy.
