Light and Grain Reconstructing Memory in a Parisian Timber Space

Paris Residence is located in Paris, France and was renovated under the leadership of Holzrausch Design Studio. This residential renovation began at the end of the pandemic, and the timing itself carries a certain symbolic meaning: when major cities around the world were re-examining the definition of "home", Holzrausch intervened in the renovation in an almost archaeological way, retaining only the concrete floor of the original building while completely reconstructing the rest. This "selective retention" strategy can't help but remind people of the reconstruction methods of Paris after the war, but this time the operation is more introspective and emotionally more delicate.

Wood almost covers all the surfaces inside the room, creating an almost solemn atmosphere and a sense of concentration. Its use is not to cater to the trend of "biophilic design", but to evoke a deeper perception and resonance between people and materials in a way that transcending the popular context. There is no clear boundary between the wall and the ceiling. The entire wooden space is like a hand-carved container, evoking the "wood culture" of Japan - wood is no longer merely a structural medium but a spiritual existence.

Among them, the staircase design can be regarded as the most sculptural element in the entire residence. It not only serves as the vertical connection of space but also, like an art installation, dominates the rhythm of the line of sight. The skylight above gently introduces natural light into the interior. As time goes by, the play of light and shadow casts a slowly changing narrative within it. This approach is reminiscent of Carlo Scarpa's poetic use of staircase structures, except that Holzrausch's expression is more organic and coherent, almost blurring the boundary between structure and form.

The design team also ingeniously unified the building's openings towards the inner courtyard and supplemented them with skylights to introduce natural light, responding to the dual demands for privacy and lighting in the high-density urban context of Paris. Its spatial strategy is reminiscent of the introverted layout of traditional Parisian city mansions (hotel particulier) - creating a serene and self-sufficient world in the hustle and bustle of the city.

Although about 80% of the structure of the residence was demolished during the renovation process, this seemingly radical approach is actually a profound response to the contemporary living conditions. The overall space presents a continuous and flowing sense of order, while the consistent use of wood throughout the house endows the building with a warm touch and sensory layers that are difficult to convey through concrete and steel.

Like the Paris Residence’s timber-clad sanctuary, our Merano Rustic Botanical Floral Double-Sided Farmhouse Charm Pillow Cover embodies a reverence for materiality and quiet transformation. Crafted with the same ‘archaeological’ precision—where every stitch honors the organic narrative of wood and bloom—this pillow becomes a tactile ode to slow living. One side whispers of wild gardens, the other hums with earthy rusticity, mirroring Holzrausch’s philosophy of layered storytelling through surfaces. Drape it over a sofa or bed, and watch how light, like Scarpa’s staircases, dances across its botanical, turning corners into contemplative pauses. For those who believe home should be a whispered poem, not a shout.