Tucked away in the charming city of Colmar, France, a striking loft-style apartment emerges as a bold testament to the intersection of history, art, and modernity. Located in an early 20th-century industrial building designed by architect Georg Bloch, this extraordinary home has been transformed into a modern sanctuary by OZA Design, an innovative architecture and design studio founded by Özge Öztürk and Alexandre Simeray. The result is a stunning space that fuses the industrial past of Colmar with the artistic legacy of the region, creating an environment that feels both timeless and fresh.
A Tribute to Colmar’s Artistic Legacy
Colmar, known for its picturesque mediaeval streets and colourful timber-framed houses, is also a city steeped in industrial heritage. It was here that two of France’s most iconic figures, Gustave Eiffel and Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, brought their vision to life - Eiffel with the Eiffel Tower and Bartholdi with the Statue of Liberty. This apartment pays homage to their legacy, blending the industrial aesthetic of ironwork with contemporary design in a way that reflects both history and innovation.
The homeowners, Maxime and Sophie, a dynamic French couple with one child, sought a space that would accommodate their informal, family-oriented lifestyle while embracing the grandeur of the building’s past. "Focusing our design on the narratives of this fascinating building, we aimed to create an open space emphasising the structure’s industrial and progressive aspects, creating a home suitable for our clients’ informal way of living, offering a high-end lifestyle atmosphere that welcomes natural light into every area of the space," explain Özge and Alexandre.
The building itself was originally one of the iconic Knopf brothers' department stores, an innovative structure built in 1912. Designed as a forward-thinking commercial space with reinforced concrete and modern amenities for its time, the structure had stood largely untouched for decades. When OZA Design first visited the space, it was being used as a nondescript office. However, once they discovered the hidden architectural features - such as towering concrete beams and columns - the vision for the apartment began to take shape.
“The client asked for our opinion on a potential purchase and design opportunity,” say Özge Öztürk and Alexandre Simeray. “Upon visiting, we discovered an ordinary office space hiding incredible original features. Uncovering these details was a 'wow' moment, leading us to advise purchasing and beginning the design process immediately.” The team removed some of the ceiling’s original height to expose the iconic concrete beams, which would become a defining feature of the design. The result is a space that feels open and airy, while still maintaining a cosy and intimate atmosphere.
Industrial Elegance Meets Artisanal Craftsmanship
The apartment’s design draws deeply from the building’s industrial roots. The materials palette - concrete, brick, dark timber, and glass - reinforces the industrial aesthetic while paying tribute to the region’s rich history in metalwork. Raw iron elements, sourced locally, nod to the legacy of Colmar’s iron industry, a reference to Bartholdi’s and Eiffel’s iconic creations. These bespoke metal pieces are complemented by the exposed brick walls, which not only enhance the industrial charm of the space but also connect the design to the region’s artisanal traditions.
Every piece of furniture and lighting within the apartment has been custom-designed by OZA Design in collaboration with local craftsmen. Much of the furniture is part of OZA’s inaugural “Warrior” collection, which is characterised by strong, sculptural lines and a mix of materials that evoke both raw power and refined elegance. The result is a home that feels both luxurious and grounded, a perfect balance of comfort and innovation.
With a keen eye for the needs of its inhabitants, OZA Design created a space that embraces the tenants’ lifestyle while enhancing their sense of comfort. Despite the challenge of limited windows and a substantial floor slope, the design incorporates large glass partitions to introduce natural light into every corner of the apartment. These transparent barriers offer privacy where needed, while also fostering a sense of openness that invites the outdoors in.
“The apartment offers a serene space with a muted colour palette that transforms the exterior view into artwork,” say Özge and Alexandre. “We wanted the design to feel open and free, while still maintaining the comforts and warmth of a home.” By utilising bespoke curtains and natural fibre furnishings, the space maintains an inviting atmosphere that is far from cold or sterile.
Art and Architecture in Dialogue
Art plays a crucial role in defining the apartment’s character. Collaborating with the local Murmure Gallery, OZA Design carefully selected artworks that complement the apartment’s industrial and minimalist interior. In the main bedroom, a series of dual paintings by Franziskus Wendels act as windows to the exterior, bringing light into the room while offering a serene counterpoint to the rawness of the industrial materials. Meanwhile, Yann Baco’s sculpture in the dining area adds a sculptural element that further enhances the space’s industrial vibe.
“The artwork in this apartment is not just decoration; it’s an integral part of the design narrative,” says Alexandre Simeray. “Each piece has been chosen not only for its aesthetic value, but also for the way it interacts with the space, creating moments of surprise and contemplation.”
A Masterclass in Minimalist Luxury
The layout of the apartment is designed for both family life and entertaining, with the open-plan living areas serving as the heart of the home. At 2,700 square feet (250 square metres), the apartment is spacious yet intimate, with carefully curated spaces that allow for both privacy and togetherness. The bespoke kitchen, crafted from the same materials as the rest of the apartment, serves as a warm gathering spot for Maxime, Sophie, and their family. Meanwhile, the formal dining area provides a space for long dinners and entertaining guests in style.
Throughout the apartment, functional yet elegant details have been incorporated, from the concealed storage areas to the custom-designed lighting. A hidden 80-square metre storage space tucked above the guest suite serves as a clever solution to the challenges of urban living, while minimalist design elements ensure that the space remains uncluttered and serene.
A Home for Today, Rooted in the Past
This remarkable apartment in Colmar is not just a place to live - it’s a celebration of the past and the present, a place where history meets innovation and artistry intertwines with industrial design. By blending the building’s architectural heritage with the best of contemporary craftsmanship, OZA Design has created a space that feels timeless, yet utterly modern.
Photographer: Edvinas Bruzas (Instagram @edvinasbruzas)
Interior Design: OZA: an architecture and design studio based in London and co-founded by Özge Öztürk (from Turkey) and Alexandre Simeray (from France), Instagram @ozadesign_official
