A Considered Renovation in Old Versailles by Architect Saba Ghorbanalinejad

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In the historic Saint-Louis quarter of Versailles, Paris-based Iranian architect Saba Ghorbanalinejad renovated and restored a 90-square-meter (about 970 square feet) apartment for a family of three. The property was initially in rough condition with technical problems in the foundation and issues with humidity levels and insulation. But Ghorbanalinejad, who studied architecture at the University of Tehran and Paris-Est School of Architecture before collaborating with firms in Paris and London and starting her own practice, is practiced in the art of considered renovation. She reconfigured the apartment to form spaces more connected to the large 200-square-meter (about 2,200 square feet) garden, widened small and narrow rooms, and opened up corridors and doorways to allow for more natural light.

Let’s take a tour:

Photography by Mary Gaudin.

ghorbanalinejad enlarged the doorway between the kitchen and living room, curvi 17 — Above: Ghorbanalinejad enlarged the doorway between the kitchen and living room, curving the edges to bring in more natural light. The floors throughout the apartment are polished concrete and the walls are custom lime paint in a very light dusty pink. She worked with artisan Atelier Mayeul Gauvin, who made the lime paint bespoke and applied it in such a way that the surfaces are not entirely smooth and designed to shift with the changing light.

a built in storage closet, designed custom by the architect, was built on site 18 — Above: A built in storage closet, designed custom by the architect, was built on site by the joiner and finished in the same lime paint as the walls.

&#8\2\20;the door handles are wood climbing handles that we bought in the m 19 — Above: “The door handles are wood climbing handles that we bought in the market and varnished in the same finish as the window frames,” explains Ghorbanalinejad.

the kitchen space is made up of what previously was a bathroom adjacent to a sm 20 — Above: The kitchen space is made up of what previously was a bathroom adjacent to a small dining space. Ghorbanalinejad moved the bath to the center of the apartment and opened up this area for a larger kitchen. The countertop is poured concrete done on site and the custom kitchen cabinets are oak.

fragments of murano glasses collected by the clients were integrated into the c 21 — Above: Fragments of Murano glasses collected by the clients were integrated into the concrete kitchen countertop.

a detail of the textures: hand poured concrete and oak grain. 22 — Above: A detail of the textures: hand-poured concrete and oak grain.

the wood frame windows are new but were selected for their historical appeal. t 23 — Above: The wood-frame windows are new but were selected for their historical appeal. The pendant light is the Splügen Braü Pendant Light by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni. The furniture is the clients’ own vintage collection.

a view from the living room shows a new circular skylight above the kitchen are 24 — Above: A view from the living room shows a new circular skylight above the kitchen area.

the newly opened up hallway between the living and bedroom spaces. 25 — Above: The newly opened up hallway between the living and bedroom spaces.

the small bathroom is finished in 5 by 5 square tiles and another custom storag 26 — Above: The small bathroom is finished in 5-by-5 square tiles and another custom storage unit.

the existing parquet meets the new polished concrete floor in a curved threshol 27 — Above: The existing parquet meets the new polished concrete floor in a curved threshold.

a view of the garden looking into the kitchen. 28 — Above: A view of the garden looking into the kitchen.

an old stone wall surrounds the large garden. 29 — Above: An old stone wall surrounds the large garden.

the plan before (left) and after (right), courtesy of saba ghorbanalinejad. 30 — Above: The plan before (left) and after (right), courtesy of Saba Ghorbanalinejad.

For more projects photographed by Mary Gaudin, see our posts:

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Frequently asked questions

Who is Saba Ghorbanalinejad?

Saba Ghorbanalinejad is an architect based in Paris who oversaw the renovation and restoration of the Versailles France project.

Who is Mary Gaudin?

Mary Gaudin is a photographer who captured the photographs for the Versailles France project.

What is the Versailles France renovation and restoration project?

The Versailles France renovation and restoration project includes the restoration of the Petit Trianon and Pavillon Dufour buildings on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles in France. The project also includes the expansion of the visitor reception areas and the renovation of the gardens.

What was the biggest challenge in the Versailles France renovation and restoration project?

According to Saba Ghorbanalinejad, the biggest challenge of the project was to preserve the authenticity of the historic buildings while also incorporating modern amenities and technologies.

What was the design philosophy behind the Versailles France renovation and restoration project?

The design philosophy behind the project was to respect and preserve the original architecture and history of the buildings while also adapting them for modern use and functionality.

What is the role of sustainability in the Versailles France renovation and restoration project?

The project incorporates sustainable and eco-friendly features such as geothermal heating and cooling systems, as well as restored gardens using traditional French techniques for water retention and irrigation.

When is the Versailles France renovation and restoration project scheduled to be completed?

The project is scheduled to be completed in 2022.

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