A compact apartment in Paris's vibrant 11th arrondissement has been completely reimagined by the French design firms Paf atelier and BB architectes through a striking intervention centered on a perforated orange mezzanine. The project, named Gambey, transforms a conventional multi-room layout into a continuous, flowing interior organized around a single sculptural steel structure that serves as both functional infrastructure and artistic centerpiece. Rather than using traditional walls or partitions, the architects created a freestanding framework that consolidates circulation, storage, and functional programming into one cohesive architectural element that defines the entire living experience.
The bold orange steel structure extends vertically from floor to ceiling and spreads horizontally at the mezzanine level, forming a cross-shaped plan that defines distinct zones for sleeping, working, cooking, and living while maintaining spatial openness. Perforated metal panels with varying densities filter light and views throughout the day, creating dynamic shadow patterns that shift with the sun's movement while maintaining visual connections between different areas of the apartment. The design allows residents to experience the entire apartment as an integrated whole rather than as separate, isolated rooms, fostering a sense of spaciousness within the compact footprint.
A staircase integrated into the steel volume features handrails and guards made from the same perforated metal, connecting the main floor to the elevated mezzanine where a compact workspace and seating area overlook the living zones below. The mezzanine's edge aligns precisely with the horizontal arms of the steel structure, reinforcing its role as a spatial organizing device and datum line throughout the interior. Daylight filters through roof glazing and the perforated mesh, animating the white walls and pale wood flooring with ever-changing patterns that bring natural rhythm to the modern space.
On the main level, furnishings are arranged around the central steel core, with low tables, stools, and select objects complementing rather than competing with the architectural intervention. Color is used strategically throughout the space to create hierarchy and visual interest. The vibrant orange steel contrasts dramatically with white surfaces, while blue and pink furnishings introduce secondary accents that add personality without overwhelming the design. Curtains provide privacy for the sleeping area, which is framed by openings in the steel structure. When drawn back, the bed becomes part of the larger living space, demonstrating the flexibility and adaptability of the open plan.
The kitchen integrates seamlessly with the central structure, featuring cabinetry in muted metallic tones accented by small blue hardware that echoes the colorful furnishings elsewhere. A structural column painted the same orange as the steel framework passes through the kitchen island, visually linking permanent building elements with the inserted architectural volume. This continuity of color and material extends across all levels, unifying the stair, guardrails, and vertical supports into a single visual system. The architects deliberately exposed bolts, edges, and joints, emphasizing the construction process and celebrating the honesty of materials at a domestic scale, a detail that adds industrial character to the refined interior.
This innovative approach to compact urban living demonstrates how thoughtful architectural interventions can maximize space without sacrificing openness or aesthetic quality. The project reflects a growing trend in Parisian interior design that favors flexible, multi-functional solutions for small apartments in dense urban neighborhoods. By replacing conventional partitions with a sculptural steel framework, Paf atelier and BB architectes have created a residence that feels both spacious and intimately organized, offering a compelling model for contemporary urban dwellings where every square meter must serve multiple purposes. The Gambey apartment stands as a testament to how bold design choices can transform limitations into opportunities for creative expression.
