With their latest project, German design studio Holzrausch brings a sense of calm to a vibrant Paris neighbourhood. The award-winning studio has created a retreat that also serves as a tribute to woodworking — fitting, given their beginnings as a modest workshop before expanding into interior design. Set in the bustling, densely populated 11th arrondissement, the family home becomes an unexpected oasis, a quiet composition in wood that gently contrasts with the world outside.
The owners wanted an interior defined by calm and simplicity, deliberately avoiding anything trend-led or Instagram-driven. “As a former model and gallery owner and a creative himself, the client was naturally drawn to our focus on material quality and restraint,” explains Petri, cofounder and design lead at Holzrausch. Despite their deep connection to the art world, the owners requested that nothing disturb the stillness of the space — no decorative elements, no artwork.
Located behind a closed gate and down a winding path through a long courtyard — ending in a lovely garden — the home’s harmony comes from its tight palette of materials: oak, plaster, stone, and stainless steel in the kitchen. Every design element is intentional, balancing functionality with a desire to let the materials take centre stage. Lighting is fully recessed, most of the furniture is built-in, and appliances are hidden behind wooden doors.
While the original concrete floors were retained, the façade and skylights are new — essential additions given that all windows in the L-shaped building face the courtyard. Bringing natural light in from above became a defining consideration and informed the sculptural staircase. Crafted from wood that matches the oak used for the wall panels and furniture, its form helps distribute light across all levels.
The house spans four floors, including a small basement, totalling around 3,800 square feet, and includes a private garden at the entrance. Its central feature — the undulating staircase — acts as the home’s spine, introducing natural light from the skylight above. In warm weather, doors open to the garden, subtly shifting daily life toward indoor–outdoor living. Craftsmen from several countries contributed to the project: plasterwork from Italy, massive oak floors from Denmark, and lighting also from Denmark.
After expanding from a woodworking workshop into interior design, Holzrausch eventually unified fabrication and design under one roof. “Many clients come directly to us because the distance between design and fabrication is extremely short,” says Petri. He describes the studio as simultaneously interior designers, interior architects, and master carpenters.
“Our philosophy has always been simplicity, minimalism, and timelessness — this project reflects that completely,” he adds. “The name ‘Holzrausch’ is difficult to translate. It expresses a fascination with materials — wood among them, but not exclusively — and that mindset is visible throughout the project.”
Credits
Interior Design: Holzrausch Studio
Photography: Salva López
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