Art of Living: Architect Sophie Dries Transforms a Parisian Triplex into a Private Museum

Summary

• Sophie Dries renovated a Paris triplex penthouse into a three-level collector’s residence with fluid circulation and expansive terraces
• Neutral tones, travertin and bespoke elements highlight a collection of over 300 artworks and design pieces

Located in a historic building in the heart of Paris, this triplex penthouse has been comprehensively reimagined by architect-designer Sophie Dries. The renovation transformed the residence into a contemporary “collector’s penthouse” for an art-collecting couple, following a restructuring that divided the home into three functional levels.

The layout now features an expanded primary suite for the owners, an entire floor dedicated to guests, and a top level designed for entertaining that opens onto two expansive terraces overlooking the Parisian rooftops. Neutral tones, wood burl and travertine were chosen as refined backdrops to highlight masterpieces by Picasso, Jannis Kounellis and Claire Tabouret.

A sculptural staircase winding around the elevator serves as the project’s structural backbone, unifying previously fragmented volumes. Notable structural adaptations include the conversion of a former attic space into a panoramic reading room and the transformation of a curved corridor into a dedicated drawing cabinet.

The penthouse also serves as a showcase for iconic and custom design pieces, creating a dialogue between the art and the furniture. The spaces feature a bronze sideboard by Garouste & Bonetti, a 1980s fireplace by sculptor Philolaos and modern furniture by Gaetano Pesce and Wonmin Park. The result is a penthouse that functions as both a living space and a gallery, embodying the duality of domestic intimacy and cultural sophistication.