Residential

Layouts often need to be reimagined to suit contemporary living. While the square meters may be sufficient, rooms can feel overly compartmentalized or undersized. A formal dining room may be desirable, yet it frequently must double as a library or game room—since weekday meals tend to remain informal and centered in the kitchen. Storage requirements have also evolved; modern life demands far more closet space than it did a century ago, making the integration of built-in wardrobes and dressers a recurring priority.

Our role is to translate these often competing demands into a coherent whole—through careful planning, proportion, materiality, and a clear understanding of how the apartment will be lived in over time.

An apartment should feel entirely personal, yet it exists within certain architectural frameworks and boundaries. Authenticity is the single most important element in both architecture and interior design. In an apartment, authenticity emerges from the seamless union of one’s life, aspirations, and personal style with the character of the building itself—the place chosen to call home.

Because space is typically limited, every element must serve a purpose. Kitchens with generous banquettes often function as living rooms. Beds become sofas; sofas become beds. Bunks may be stacked to minimize footprint and maximize efficiency. Lighting should be flexible and dimmable throughout. Refrigeration and storage must be adequate for the duration of a stay. Separate clothing for indoor and outdoor use is advisable, as is seasonal bedding. Music, too, deserves consideration—CDs, vinyl, or, if necessary, an old iPod will do just fine.

Particular care is given to materials, systems, and detailing that age well, require little maintenance, and perform reliably in remote conditions.

A well-designed cabin feels effortless—because everything has been carefully considered.

It is often easier to find beautiful older houses than truly exceptional new ones. Perhaps contemporary regulations have engineered much of the charm out of building, or modern construction has become so optimized that there is little room left for nuance and detail. In many new houses, mechanisms are concealed rather than celebrated, resulting in a sleekness that can feel flat and anonymous. We are drawn to the visible traces of how a house is made. There is beauty in exposed hardware and fixtures. Being able to see and understand how a house functions allows for a deeper connection to it.

For many houses, a surrounding garden is one of their greatest advantages over city apartments—unless, of course, one is fortunate enough to have a terrace or rooftop in the urban core. This additional outdoor layer adds value in both practical and experiential ways. At its most immediate, a garden extends the living space, offering opportunities for seating and dining al fresco when weather permits. Even in quieter seasons, the view onto a cultivated landscape in one’s care can serve as a living still life, bringing a sense of calm and continuity.