Projet B. is a minimal duplex located in Paris, France, designed by THISTE. Here, in this duplex apartment tucked within an 18th-century Left Bank building, the ancient art of creating sanctuary reveals itself through layers both literal and metaphorical – a palimpsest of living where contemporary nomadism meets historical permanence.

The restoration of this space reads as an exercise in temporal choreography, where the designer’s hand moves with the delicacy of an archaeologist and the boldness of a contemporary artist. The decision to preserve and restore the original Versailles parquet speaks to something deeper than mere aesthetic choice; it represents a philosophy of stewardship that recognizes flooring not merely as surface, but as foundation narrative. These intricate wooden mosaics, painstakingly returned to their former luminosity, serve as both literal ground and metaphorical anchor for a family whose lifestyle defies geographic boundaries.

The reimagining of volumes and room configurations demonstrates how contemporary living demands fluid boundaries while honoring architectural DNA. By unveiling the original enfilades – those characteristic French room sequences that create perspectival depth – the design acknowledges that great architecture speaks across centuries. These sight lines, once obscured, now frame contemporary art and furniture collections, creating what might be called “curated vistas” where historical architecture becomes the gallery for nomadic treasures.

The material palette reveals sophisticated understanding of how surfaces can simultaneously ground and elevate. Warm oak converses with rich walnut in the language of natural variation, while travertine introduces mineral coolness that speaks to both classical Roman precedent and contemporary minimalism. The inclusion of glossy lacquer and soft flannel creates textural counterpoint – the hard and soft, the reflective and absorptive – establishing what the designers describe as “discreet and refined harmony.”