A Parisian Penthouse Reinvented by Sophie Dries
Perched atop a historic building in the heart of Paris, this triplex has been reimagined by architect and designer Sophie Dries as a contemporary home for an art-collecting couple.
Conceived following the departure of their children, the renovation responds to a new chapter in the owners' lives, creating a residence that places their extensive collection at its centre while improving comfort and redefining the home's circulation.
Working alongside an engineering team, Dries reorganised the apartment across three carefully considered levels. A generous primary suite occupies one floor, a dedicated guest level provides privacy for visitors, and the uppermost floor is designed for entertaining, extending onto two terraces with sweeping views across the rooftops of Paris. At the heart of the home, a sculptural staircase wraps around the elevator, connecting volumes that had once felt fragmented and establishing a clear architectural presence throughout the residence.
From the moment of arrival, soft curves establish the home's character. A monumental tapestry by Laure Prouvost introduces the interior alongside a bronze sideboard by Garouste & Bonetti and a bespoke chandelier designed by Sophie Dries. Gentle forms continue throughout the apartment, bringing cohesion to spaces designed to celebrate more than 300 modern and contemporary works of art.
The collection is woven seamlessly into the architecture, with drawings by Pablo Picasso and Jannis Kounellis, portraits by Claire Tabouret, concrete sculptures by Marc Leschelier, and metal-and-leather furniture by Odile Mir of LOMM ÉDITION displayed throughout the home. An iconic fireplace created by sculptor Philolaos in the 1980s anchors one of the living areas, reinforcing the dialogue between architecture, furniture and art.
A restrained material palette allows each work to take prominence. Travertine, burl wood veneers and warm neutral finishes provide texture and depth without competing for attention. Carefully selected design pieces, including a table by Wonmin Park, the Tube chair by Joe Colombo, works by Gaetano Pesce, and the Petra side table designed by Sophie Dries, contribute another layer of craftsmanship and collectability.
