Cover The open-concept apartment welcomes natural light into every area of the minimalist space
The open-concept apartment welcomes natural light into every area of the minimalist space
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The light-filled apartment by OZA Design finds comfort through minimalism in the idyllic city of France’s Alsace region
Colmar, situated in the northeastern Alsace region near the Rhine River bordering France and Germany, is renowned for its well-preserved cityscape since the French Revolution.
Buildings reflecting Germanic and French architectural influences line the narrow streets of the picturesque city, including the colourful sandstone houses with timber framing and lively balconies—a stylistic language quintessential to the local heritage.
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The idyllic old town was also home to the sculptor and painter Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, who designed the famous Statue of Liberty in collaboration with Gustave Eiffel, the French engineer behind the Eiffel Tower.
Above Buildings in the idyllic Colmar reflect Germanic and French architectural influences
Buildings in the idyllic Colmar reflect Germanic and French architectural influences
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As such, French couple Maxime and Sophie decided to pay homage to the venerable creator in their full-time residence, located within a building that was originally one of the iconic Knopf brothers’ innovative department stores.
With the Knopf moniker carved on the façade, the historic building was constructed in 1912 by Colmar architect Georg Bloch, its use of reinforced concrete displaying an industrial essence in contrast to the city’s romantic atmosphere.
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Above Co-founders Özge Öztürk and Alexandre Simeray of OZA Design
Above Frédéric Klein’s artwork hangs upon dark timber-panelled walls
Co-founders Özge Öztürk and Alexandre Simeray of OZA Design
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“The client asked for our opinion on a potential purchase and design opportunity, and upon visiting [the site], the ordinary office space revealed incredible original features,” recalls Özge Öztürk and Alexandre Simeray of London-based architecture and design studio OZA Design.
“For example, when the ceiling heights were lowered, we uncovered original concrete beams and columns. It was a ‘wow’ moment, and it led us to advise on purchasing [the property] and [to start] the design process immediately.”
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The open-concept apartment welcomes natural light into every area of the minimalist space
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Sprawling across 2,700 sq ft, the single-storey home features an open concept living area that encompasses the living room, dining area and kitchen. Besides that, there are three bedrooms, two of which have been converted into an office and a guest room, where an ingenious 80-sqm storage space is concealed behind mirrors to maintain a clean and tidy environment.
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A blend of concrete and exposed brick walls reinforces the industrial aesthetic
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Above The design furniture pieces adhere to the overall industrial aesthetic
Above Distinctive selections from OZA Design’s inaugural Warrior collection
The design furniture pieces adhere to the overall industrial aesthetic
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While the original structure lacked windows, OZA Design addressed the limitation by installing glazed partitions throughout the home. These transparent separators act as a glass box, drawing in fresh air and natural light that permeates the deepest corners of the apartment.
“We focused our design on the narratives of this fascinating building, and aimed to create an open space that emphasises the structure’s industrial and progressive aspects,” Öztürk and Simeray share. “A home that is suitable for our clients’ informal way of living, offering a high-end lifestyle atmosphere that welcomes natural light into every area of the space.”
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The dining and kitchen area is a more formal space for long dinners and gatherings
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Much like the modern brutalist building it occupies, the design for the apartment breaks from local traditional style, adopting industrial elements such as glass, metal, concrete, brick, and dark-coloured timber as the key palette.
Drawing inspiration from Bartholdi’s and Eiffel’s masterpieces and the region’s storied iron industry, raw ironwork is woven into the fabric of the home: the metal-framed glass doors, the shelving units that divide the open-plan space into discrete areas, and the industrial-style light fixtures that illuminate the spaces.
These include the original submarine lighting elements attached to the Ceppo di Gré stone wall in the main bathroom, and the reading lights in the guest room reminiscent of the ones aboard the Orient Express.
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The bespoke kitchen exudes a warm atmosphere with a counter designed by OZA Design
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Above Attention to detail upon closer look
Above An interplay of light and shadow
Attention to detail upon closer look
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“In our quest to honour Colmar’s artistic heritage, we collaborated extensively with local craftsmen and utilised locally sourced materials,” the design duo quips. “From custom metal fixtures to bespoke furnishings, each element was crafted with care, preserving the essence of Colmar’s artisanal tradition.”
Meanwhile, a blend of concrete and exposed brick walls reinforces the industrial aesthetic, as black stained timber juxtaposes the white gypsum wall finishes. These dark panels line the entrance before the narrow space opens into the light-filled apartment, where in the bespoke kitchen, the sleek material provides a warm environment for spending casual time with family and friends.
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The sleek, ultra-minimalist office
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Above Original submarine lighting attached to the Ceppo di Gré stone wall
Above The powder room with vintage ceramic vase and marble bowl
Original submarine lighting attached to the Ceppo di Gré stone wall
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While integrating modern comforts into a pre-war building with structural disparities presented challenges, OZA Design incorporated minimalist design and materials that evokes a loft in Lady Liberty’s home ground in New York.
Heavy cotton-linen curtains line the glazed partitions to ensure privacy when drawn, while linen upholstery and natural fibre carpets add warmth to the cosy space.
Additionally, decorating the space are distinctive furniture pieces by OZA Design in collaboration with local craftsmen and artists, including selections from the inaugural Warrior collection, named after the heroic figures of Greek mythology.
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The main bedroom featuring Franziskus Wendels’ paired paintings
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Finally, a careful selection of artwork accentuates the apartment’s subdued interior, which the design studio curated in partnership with local art gallery Murmure to find the best complements to the home.
In the entrance hall, Dutch painter Frédéric Klein’s artwork casts unexpected shades that enliven the dark corridor through a play of light, whereas in the dining area, Parisian sculptor and blacksmith Yann Baco’s work exemplifies the overall industrial vibe.
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Above Sunlight illuminating every corner of the apartment
Sunlight illuminating every corner of the apartment
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Likewise, Colmar native Yolaine Wuest’s dual art pieces reflect the smooth transparent qualities of the guest bedroom, as German artist Franziskus Wendels’s paired paintings in the main bedroom serve as windows to the outside world.
“As sunlight dances through the transparent partitions, illuminating every corner of the apartment, the pioneering spirit of Bartholdi and Eiffel lives on,” Öztürk and Simeray conclude. “It embodies a harmony where history meets innovation, and artistry intertwines with industrialism.”
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Credits
Photography: Edvinas Bruzas
Topics
Celeste Goh is a senior writer covering architecture and design. Based in Malaysia, she reports on emerging architectural and home design trends, as well as insights by local and international architects and interior designers.
Previously, she covered men’s lifestyle, fashion, music and entertainment.
