- Interior
- Architecture & development
In the right hands, a carpenter's workshop and an old attic can be transformed into a light-filled duplex. That is what Heju Studio teaches us with the Saint Antoine apartment. The result is a playful dwelling with a neutral basis that is complemented in just the right degree by colourful excesses.
Heju Studio strives for personal simplicity with a clear look. By innovating and wondering, they always embark on a unique journey that unfolds from idea to tangible result. Essential to them are lines and attention to spaciousness. By extensively reflecting on the potential of a property in combination with the functions it must fulfil in the lifestyle of its residents, they develop a precise lens through which they approach design. Their greatest mission is to plan spaces and elevate their limitations to compelling assets. They dig out the architectural compositions and bravely put mobilisation routes to the test. 
The bookcase reinforces the poetic and almost romantic impression of the apartment.
They also stayed true to this mission when they renovated what would eventually become Saint Antoine apartment. This is a one hundred square metre duplex created by joining together a former carpentry workshop and an attic that was used for storage. By installing a staircase, it was possible to connect the two levels. This was done with some effort, but no challenge is too much for the studio. Downstairs, there is an open and long living space with kitchen where straight and curved lines alternate. It is striking that the team succeeded in bringing the staircase upstairs, so that it has little influence on the usable living space. The strong lines of the staircase also suggest a confident aesthetic that is full of expression. Another eye-catcher is the inviting bookcase. It reinforces the poetic and almost romantic impression of the entire apartment. The curves were made by hand, which gives a sincere and skilled impression. When you follow the stairs up, you find yourself in a cosy cocoon that leaves no doubt that you are in a contemporary attic room. The robust beams in the bedroom generate a calming and protective feeling, while in the bathroom you are distracted by the beautifully waxed concrete in beige. Furthermore, you will find a guest room with a desk, as well as a second bathroom in the flat. 
Saint Antoine apartment brings out the best in you thanks to thoughtful architectural experimentation. Finished to the last detail and creative without descending into chaos, this place invites cosy relaxation. The expressive yet simple design will make us remember Heju Studio for a long time to come.
Images by Heju Studio