Raul Sanchez Architects completed the unusually demanding interior of Apartment Tibbaut.
Basement location, high humidity and extremely limited amount of light provided very severe conditions. Despite its barely 55 sqm space, the two octagonal stone pillars with domes are introducing the monumental look to the preserved structures of the interior.
The client had requested the creation of an open-floor space. However, this monumental space and the shortage of natural light and view to the outdoors, led to another proposal. The single-space concept could be maintained but with greater spatial complexity, by overlapping and intersecting two living spaces: a central, common, multipurpose space and a perimeter of small designated-use rooms (bedroom, dressing room, bathroom, storage room, kitchen and study).
The walls do not reach all the way up to the ceiling so the vaults and domes are continuous and visible from anywhere. But from the ground level, up to the level marked by where the domes begin, the view is partially interrupted by partitions, creating an anticipation of what lies beyond on the other side, and giving contour to the inner world.
The palette of materials was minimal. Floors and walls are white to bounce and reflect every beam of light that manages to enter through the few openings. The laminated pine dividing walls highlight the items in the center of the space, while contrasting with the white surfaces of the existing walls.
Lack of ventilation and openings to the outside, made the drying times for materials much higher than expected. All surfaces and ceilings were sealed to prevent moisture from leaking through. On the other hand the level of indoor humidity was controlled with an underfloor heating and a dehumidifier.
Apartment Tibbaut interior is a serene canvas which can be easily covered with textures, objects and furniture of future residents.
