In Paris, where living space comes at an extraordinary premium, architects from BETH X EPISTĒMĒ STUDIO have successfully transformed a tiny 248-square-foot studio apartment into a sophisticated minimalist retreat. The project demonstrates how thoughtful design can maximize both functionality and aesthetic appeal in even the most compact urban spaces, creating what the designers describe as a refined cocoon of modern living.
The centerpiece of this remarkable transformation is a custom-built raised platform crafted from okoumé wood that serves as the apartment's multifunctional core. This ingenious structure seamlessly adapts to meet various daily needs throughout the day, functioning as a comfortable sleeping area, transforming into a dining table or workspace, and concealing generous storage compartments within its design. By integrating multiple functions into this single element, the architects have maximized flexibility while maintaining an open, uncluttered floor plan that makes the small space feel significantly larger.
The built-in table design draws inspiration from traditional Japanese zataku tables, which are typically used for floor seating, but incorporates a modern twist that enhances comfort. The raised platform design cleverly leaves space underneath, allowing occupants to let their feet dangle comfortably rather than tucking them under their bodies in traditional Japanese style. This subtle but important detail combines traditional Eastern design philosophy with contemporary Western ergonomics, making extended meals or work sessions much more comfortable and relaxed for modern users.
Every piece of furniture and architectural element within the apartment has been custom-designed specifically for maximum efficiency and visual cohesion. A sleek bookshelf transitions seamlessly into a headboard, while a retractable desk completely disappears into a storage module when not in use, maintaining the clean lines of the space. A wall-mounted Murphy bed further liberates valuable floor space with a single smooth motion, allowing the studio to transform from a bedroom into a living area instantly. The result is an interior that feels intentionally designed and perfectly balanced, with each element performing multiple roles without creating visual clutter or chaos.
The material palette serves as the foundation for the project's calming atmosphere, featuring carefully selected natural elements that work in harmony. Light-toned wood, polished concrete, matte plywood, and aged brass create a soft, organic color scheme that feels both modern and timeless. These varied textures collaborate to establish a serene environment that remains tactile and engaging rather than cold or sterile. Linear lighting fixtures and clean architectural lines throughout the space reinforce the clarity and simplicity of the design without making the apartment feel rigid or institutional.
Rather than using traditional walls to divide the compact apartment into separate rooms, BETH X EPISTĒMĒ STUDIO employed built-in storage solutions and subtle surface level changes to define different functional areas. Natural and artificial light becomes a crucial guiding element throughout the space, encouraging smooth movement between zones while maintaining visual connections that create an uninterrupted flow. This approach makes the small apartment feel much more spacious and connected than conventional room divisions would allow.
The design philosophy embraces what the architects call "warm minimalism," drawing inspiration from both Japanese aesthetic principles and the serene landscapes of desert environments. The apartment successfully achieves a cocoon-like quality that wraps its resident in quiet comfort while remaining completely adaptable to changing daily needs and activities. This careful balance between architectural precision and human-centered softness demonstrates that small-scale residential design can be both highly functional and deeply satisfying on an emotional level.
The project was completed by Bertrand Emgoué and Marie Fleur Samé of BETH X EPISTĒMĒ STUDIO, with photography captured by Art-Milan Mazaud. The transformation serves as an inspiring example of how creative architectural solutions can address the growing challenge of urban housing shortages while maintaining high standards of living quality and design excellence.
