Stunning Milo Apartment Transformation: A Journey Back to an Era of Structural Artistry!

Modern interior design in French urban homes often reflects the visionary design principles from the era of Gustave Eiffel. A key concept connecting his iconic tower and more regional architecture, such as that in Colmar, France, is “structural art,” a phrase originated by the esteemed engineer David Billington. This concept is also represented by artists like Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi from the Alsace region, whose collaboration with Eiffel on the Statue of Liberty has left a lasting artistic influence in the area.

An architectural undertaking by OZA Design, known as the Milo Apartment, shares a design philosophy focused on structural efficiency and a minimal use of materials that results in a distinctive personal style. This project draws parallels with the structured, geometric designs of Parisian Haussmannian apartments, while also embracing the lavishness of nearby châteaus. It skillfully integrates both French and German architectural influences, historical touches, and local materials without adhering to a specific historical style.

The lead architects at OZA, Özge Öztürk and Alexandre Simeray, infuse their projects with a touch of nostalgia yet steer clear of merely imitating historical styles. “Our aim was to pay tribute to Colmar’s rich artistic past, and we achieved this by working hand-in-hand with local craftsmen. Every aspect of the Milo Apartment is a reflection of the city’s vibrant creative legacy, from handcrafted metal fixtures to custom-made furniture, all preserving Colmar’s tradition of craftsmanship,” they explain.

The Milo Apartment is located in a section of a historic commercial building from 1912, designed by local architect Georg Bloch, on Place des Martyrs de la Résistance. The building, surrounded by picturesque timber-framed houses and bustling streets, exemplifies the enduring appeal of forward-thinking design. Originally an early example of reinforced concrete architecture, the building featured modern amenities like integrated electric power, a dedicated elevator operator, and ground floor retail spaces that are still in use today.

The apartment itself is designed to enhance family connectivity within its 2,700 square feet, featuring areas with soaring 12-foot ceilings. The layout includes a welcoming entryway that leads to a combined kitchen, living, and dining space with striking visual lines and elegant material finishes. Private areas of the home are designed to be adaptable, including a master bedroom with an ensuite spa and dressing room, two guest bedrooms with a shared bathroom, a discrete powder room, a large utility space, and extensive storage areas above the secondary rooms.

Embracing Frank Lloyd Wright’s principle that “form and function are one,” the apartment showcases an aesthetic harmony of glass, metal, concrete, white brick, light linen curtains, and dark wood paneling. These elements are carefully arranged to maximize space and define the apartment’s functional areas aesthetically.

“We focused on overcoming design challenges to create a tranquil space dominated by a soft color palette, allowing the outside scenery to integrate into the interiors as a form of living art,” say the architects. “The result is an extremely cozy and comfortable interior that champions minimalism as a form of comfort.”

The entrance features deep paneling that draws visitors into the expansive main living area, reflecting another influence of Wright’s design philosophy. The kitchen boasts bespoke elements and lengthy countertops conducive to both cooking and casual interaction, whereas the dining area, marked by open shelving and a sleek metal frame, offers a more formal venue for meals and social gatherings.

Tall windows with black mullions and kick plates anchor the glass panels and doors to the floor, lined with floor-length cotton-linen curtains for privacy. Contrasting black-stained wood with white gypsum wall finishes subtly nods to Colmar’s coal mining heritage.

The Milo Apartment’s design, marked by a monochrome palette and meticulous execution, embodies the principles of structural art. “Our use of raw ironwork, locally sourced and crafted with precision, pays tribute to Bartholdi’s creative vision and the local iron industry. The brick, concrete, and dark timber elements enhance the industrial aesthetic, while subtle references to the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower introduce a timeless elegance,” the designers conclude.