acte deux unifies parisian ‘maids’ rooms’ into 55-square-meter attic apartment

the renovation stitches together around a dozen fragmented rooms through new openings and rebuilt roof sections.

thomai tsimpou March 10, 2026 3 min

Acte Deux merges dozen fragmented spaces into one volume

Tucked beneath the roofline of a Parisian residential building, the Sous les Toits apartment by Acte Deux, its name meaning ‘under the rooftops’, brings together a cluster of small, leftover spaces into a single 55-square-meter dwelling. The project consolidates around a dozen previously separated units, former maids’ rooms, storage areas, closets, and even portions of shared circulation spaces into one continuous interior carved out beneath the attic structure.

To achieve this transformation, the renovation required substantial architectural intervention. New openings are introduced to connect the once-isolated rooms, a section of the roof is rebuilt, and the floors are entirely reworked to unify the fragmented plan. The project evolves through a process of experimentation directly on site, where volumes and sightlines are gradually cut and sculpted with precision.

acte deux unifies parisian 'maids' rooms' into 55-square-meter attic apartment - 1 — all images by Jean-Baptiste Thiriet

built-in elements shape the interior landscape of Sous les Toits

Within this expansive envelope, custom-built elements define the domestic landscape. Storage, partitions, and furniture are integrated into the architecture itself, their minimal geometry allowing them to blend into an interior palette dominated by white and beige tones.

The project relies heavily on bespoke craftsmanship. Most furniture pieces were designed specifically for the space and produced in collaboration with specialized makers, allowing each element to respond precisely to the irregular geometry of the attic volume.

Against the restrained palette of the apartment, Johanna Lapray and Hugo L’ahelec, the architects at Acte Deux, introduce a measured burst of color through the kitchen design. Its lacquered fronts form a subtle horizon within the otherwise neutral interior, bringing chromatic depth to the space. The cabinetry pays tribute to the painter Ettore Spalletti through its layered color combinations. The panels are framed in stainless steel, referencing a framing technique known as the shadow box. Laser-cut handles are integrated into the fronts, adding a precise graphic detail while maintaining the overall clarity of the composition.

acte deux unifies parisian 'maids' rooms' into 55-square-meter attic apartment - 2 — pastel lacquer cabinetry introduces color to the otherwise neutral attic interior

acte deux unifies parisian 'maids' rooms' into 55-square-meter attic apartment - 3 — stainless steel frames and laser-cut handles define the custom kitchen cabinetry

acte deux unifies parisian 'maids' rooms' into 55-square-meter attic apartment - 4 — built-in storage follows the slope of the attic roof to maximize usable space

acte deux unifies parisian 'maids' rooms' into 55-square-meter attic apartment - 5 — natural wood furniture introduces warmth to the restrained palette

acte deux unifies parisian 'maids' rooms' into 55-square-meter attic apartment - 6 — a round wooden dining table sits beneath a skylight

acte deux unifies parisian 'maids' rooms' into 55-square-meter attic apartment - 7 — built-in shelving transforms the attic wall into a compact home library

acte deux unifies parisian 'maids' rooms' into 55-square-meter attic apartment - 8 — integrated wardrobes and shelving follow the geometry of the sloped roof

acte deux unifies parisian 'maids' rooms' into 55-square-meter attic apartment - 9 — exposed timber beams contrast with the apartment’s soft neutral palette

acte deux unifies parisian 'maids' rooms' into 55-square-meter attic apartment - 10 — skylights puncture the attic roof

acte deux unifies parisian 'maids' rooms' into 55-square-meter attic apartment - 11 — skylights bring daylight deep into the space

acte deux unifies parisian 'maids' rooms' into 55-square-meter attic apartment - 12 — pink grid tiles wrap the shower area inside the apartment’s bathroom

architects Johanna Lapray and Hugo L’ahelec of Acte Deux a tiled basin extends from the wall Shiva Vase by Ettore Sottsass matches the color palette of the bathroom a compact nook beneath the roofline becomes a small dressing and reading corner the bedroom nestles beneath the attic slope

project info:

project name: Sous Les Toits

architect: Acte Deux | @acte_deux

location: Paris, France

area: 55 square meters

lead architects: Johanna Lapray & Hugo L’ahelec

photographer: Jean-Baptiste Thiriet | @jbthiriet.studio