So far so good, but their ambitious plans didn't stop there. Realising that their creative ideas might not make the most of the space, the couple turned to architect Eric Chabeur to help transform the two apartments.
After lengthy discussions with his new clients, Eric proposed an interior where concrete, steel and wood would be the key materials. 'Although it's nothing new to use these materials in a building, Eric's plans meant they would be the essence of the decor, creating a home that had an abundance of character,' explains Juliette. 'This was exactly the sort of interior we wanted, so Eric was the right man for the job.'
Credit: Stephen Clement/Photozest
The centrepiece of the couple's home is the imposing exposed concrete staircase. With the addition of several thick steel ceiling supports, the apartment has a definite industrial edge. To find out more about this much-maligned but versatile material, take a look at the Concrete Society's website.
Concrete would in fact become the key element of this renovation. It is one of Eric's favourite materials and he has used it in a number of other projects. 'I love the way I can make it into any shape I need,' he says. 'And with so many variations in texture, the possibilities of what you can create are endless.'
Central to his plans was a freestanding concrete staircase. However, installing one in a penthouse apartment isn't without its complications. The floors had to be reinforced with huge metal beams to be able to take the weight of the staircase as well as the concrete island unit in the kitchen.
Although there are very few walls on the ground floor, the staircase acts as a natural divider, separating different areas of the apartment while still allowing plenty of daylight to filter through to what would otherwise have been fairly dark and cramped corners.
Positioned just off-centre in the main living space, the finished staircase is certainly an outlandish talking point in the family's home. Built with rough concrete, softened by hand and then matt varnished, the stairs have an elegant simplicity that holds your attention, wherever you are in the apartment. 'Rather than just being a necessary architectural element, they are a bold statement,' says Juliette. 'What's more, as they reflect the daylight and change colour throughout the day, they give the entire space a sense of vibrant personality.'
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