DHaus redesigns a parisian-inspired micro apartment in the heart of london

London Pied-à-terre: Parisian-Inspired Micro Apartment in London

DHaus completes London Pied-à-Terre, a 26-sqm micro-apartment that examines the parallels between compact living in Paris and London. The project reconfigures a small interior into an open, light-filled dwelling that explores how minimalism and spatial clarity can enhance everyday urban life.

Both Paris and London face high housing costs and dense urban fabric, leading to a prevalence of micro-apartments and subdivided historic buildings. In Paris, former chambres de bonne, once servants’ quarters, have evolved into compact homes, while in London, Victorian and Georgian townhouses are frequently divided into small flats and basement studios. Within this shared condition, London Pied-à-Terre responds through adaptive reuse, efficient planning, and refined detailing.

all images by Declan Driver

design balances efficiency, material integrity, and spatial clarity

The redesign focuses on openness and light. By removing internal partitions and integrating the kitchen with the living area, the layout maximises daylight and visual continuity. Built-in furniture, concealed storage, and a restrained material palette maintain efficiency and cohesion throughout the space. A four-meter-high Egyptian-style entrance door acts as a spatial threshold, introducing a sense of scale within the compact footprint. Custom banquette seating, influenced by Bauhaus geometry, contrasts with a minimalist staircase whose handrail recalls a simple line drawing. Each feature contributes sculpturally, replacing traditional decorative elements with form-driven design.

For the project, DHaus architecture studio draws on lessons from Parisian small-space living, defined by optimised layout and lighting, multi-functional furniture, vertical extension, and minimalist coherence. Opening kitchens to living areas maintains clear sightlines, while using translucent partitions distributes light. Fold-out tables, sofa-beds, and storage are integrated into walls and niches. Tall shelving, under-bed compartments allow for double-height spaces. A consistent palette and uncluttered arrangement sustain a sense of calm.

London Pied-à-Terre reinterprets compact living through a minimalist lens

Compact layouts in Paris and London inspire DHaus’ approach

Material experimentation plays a central role in the project. DHaus employed Dinesen flooring from Denmark for its natural grain and durability, and introduced a custom stainless-steel kitchen, the studio’s first in a residential setting. At the core of the living space, the D*Table provides a transformable surface that adapts to dining, working, or entertaining, reflecting the flexibility central to the design’s concept.

‘We wanted to take lessons from Parisian micro-living and translate them into a London setting; compact, adaptable, and designed to make the most of every square meter,’ says David Ben Grunberg, Director of DHaus. Founded in 2017, DHaus operates between London and Paris, with a focus on experimental architecture and design. The studio’s approach emphasizes precise detailing, adaptable layouts, and material integrity, exploring how spatial efficiency can coexist with expressive architectural form.

the 26-square-meter apartment explores parallels between Parisian and London small-space design

DHaus transforms a compact footprint into an open, light-filled interior

removing partitions allows natural light to flow freely through the apartment

the interior balances efficiency, material integrity, and spatial clarity

Micro apartment interior Photo by Declan Driver

integrated kitchen and living areas enhance openness and continuity

the interior space opens up to a planted balcony

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axo drawing

axo drawing

project info:

name: London Pied-à-terre

architect: DHaus | @the_dhaus_company

contractor: All In One Build

photographer: Declan Driver | @decphotos

flooring: Dinesen | @dinesen

stainless steel kitchen: Complete Catering Contracts Ltd

handrail: Metal Works London | @metalworkslondon

coffee table: The D*Table by DHaus

sofa: Ikea | @ikea