The essence of this project lies in the delicate balance between past and present, where history is not only respected but reinterpreted through a modern lens. When Joris Poggioli first encountered this apartment, hidden beneath layers of modifications, he felt an immediate connection to its past—a past that was begging to be uncovered and allowed to speak once again. The space carries with it a sense of grandeur, rooted in the Napoleon-era architecture, which Joris Poggioli saw as an opportunity to honor history while bringing forth a contemporary, minimalist vision that resonates with our times.

Restoring the original architectural features was not just a technical task; it was an act of storytelling. Each molding, each parquet floorboard, and each fireplace became a character in the narrative. The process of peeling back decades of alterations was akin to archaeology—revealing pieces of the past, layer by layer, with a sense of reverence and discovery. Joris Poggioli saw it as a responsibility to preserve these elements, not merely as relics, but as vital participants in the dialogue with modernity.

The soaring 420 cm ceiling height was a gift in itself, shaping much of the design decisions that followed. It demanded that the design team thinks on a grander scale—both physically and conceptually. The space itself became a canvas for creative expression, where void and volume invite reflection and allow for mental images to breathe freely. It was essential to maintain a sense of spaciousness and lightness, so Joris Poggioli introduced elements like an oversized headboard in the bedroom and a mezzanine that subtly echoes the prow of a ship. These interventions, while bold, never overpower the historical framework; instead, they create a symbiotic relationship between the old and the new.

In merging these two worlds, the designer was careful to avoid forcing harmony where it didn't naturally exist. The historical features—whether it’s the intricate moldings, the solid wood doors, or the grand windows—were left to speak for themselves. The contemporary additions, with their clean lines and minimalist aesthetic, serve as a frame that highlights the beauty of the past without competing with it. There’s an intentional restraint in Joris Poggioli’s approach, where modernity acts as a silent partner, allowing the historical architecture to retain its voice while engaging in a subtle, yet profound, dialogue with the present.