OBS

OBSERVATOIRE / Transformation of a Former Office into a Refined Historic Apartment

This project is the complete reimagination of a 105 m² space in the historic centre of Montpellier, transforming what was once a set of outdated offices into a serene, elegant apartment filled with light, balance, and contemporary sophistication. The project preserves the generosity of the original volumes while redefining them through a new domestic layout, creating two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a dedicated office, and a spacious living area.

From the moment one enters, the apartment reveals a quiet, composed atmosphere shaped by soft tones, high ceilings, and the interplay between historic details and modern design. The existing architectural elements; tall windows, delicate mouldings, original doorframes, have been restored and highlighted, offering a refined backdrop for a contemporary interior language.

Throughout the home, carefully curated lighting fixtures serve as sculptural elements. In the hallway, a series of etched glass panels introduces a poetic layer of translucency, filtering light and creating a sense of depth. In the living room and bedrooms, graphic pendant lights with monochrome spheres anchor the spaces with a subtle, contemporary strength.

The living room is marked by a generous sense of openness. Soft neutral colours embrace the walls while textured furnishings, warm wooden floors, and minimalist black details shape a calm, grounded atmosphere. The large windows flood the room with daylight, revealing views of Montpellier’s historic façades and giving the apartment its name, OBSERVATOIRE.

The bathrooms bring a more expressive identity to the project. Strong gestures of black-and-white marble create a bold visual contrast, forming a dramatic counterpart to the otherwise understated palette. The walk-in shower, freestanding bathtub, and sharp geometric lines contribute to a sophisticated, almost gallery-like ambience, elevated by the contemporary lighting suspended above.

Each space has been designed to feel both composed and lived-in, balancing sobriety with warmth. Subtle colour choices, including muted blues in transitional areas and soft neutrals in the bedrooms, enhance the calmness of the apartment without overshadowing its architectural heritage.

This project is a study in refinement and clarity: a place where historic character meets modern comfort, where light becomes the guiding element, and where every detail contributes to a cohesive, quietly luxurious atmosphere in the heart of the city.