paul coudamy: swollen wall

detail of ‘swollen wall’

french architect paul coudamy has sent us images of his newest project ‘swollen wall’. coudamy’s client desired a system in which he could openly live alongside and enjoy his collection of books and films in his recently acquired haussmanian apartment.

‘swollen wall’ is a bookshelf which articulates the different living spaces of the apartment, and has been installed along two main load-bearing walls. it circulates along the upper walls, through the bedroom, and creates a hallway storage area in the entrance. it also wraps around the corner walls of the office, which accommodates a bed for guests under its elevated desk platform.

from floor to ceiling, the shelf is directed by a 20 x 20 cm squared grid. the grid size is defined by the pocket book format and is flexible enough to enlarge in order to accomodate larger boks and objects, making room for speakers, A4 files, vasese etc. closed storage blocks are extruded from these cells offering a mini bar, dressing wardrobe, storage devices etc.

the swollen shelving unit contrasts with angular closed storage cabinets. by deforming its edges, the dilated wall creates strange perspectives that appear as mutations in the classic dwelling. instead of being an addition, this hybrid element interacts with the objects it welcomes and the inhabitants of the apartment.

the office space where a guest bed is hidden below the desk