Convention is a minimal home located in Paris, France, designed by Atelier Apara. The designers approached this renovation with archaeological sensibility, first stripping away layers of previous finishes to reveal the building’s original skeleton. What emerged was the unmistakable structural language of late-1960s modernism—reinforced concrete floors and walls designed by architects Marc Villemant and Paul Verny. Rather than concealing this history behind new veneers, the project embraces these elements as both historical record and aesthetic foundation.

“Working with what was already there reflects the need and desire for economy of resources, both physical and financial,” the designers explain. This philosophy extends beyond mere preservation to become a guiding principle for the entire renovation. The concrete ceiling remains exposed, its systematic grid now serving as both structure and ornament. Select walls were likewise retained, their unadorned surfaces telling stories of the building’s construction logic.

This approach connects Convention to the broader history of architectural adaptive reuse, yet distinguishes itself through remarkable restraint. Unlike more dramatic interventions that often pit new against old, this project creates a quiet dialogue between original structure and thoughtful addition. The material palette—particularly the untreated okoumé plywood and stainless steel joinery—speaks to contemporary concerns about material authenticity and sustainability while nodding to modernism’s fondness for truth in materials.

The apartment’s abundant natural light, streaming through large windows and three loggias, amplifies the honest simplicity of these design choices. Shadows play across unfinished surfaces throughout the day, enriching the space with temporal qualities that no applied finish could achieve.