Combining next-door mansions in Paris is not your typical knock-through

In a world where architecture and interior design are increasingly global, projects that reflect a sense of place are increasingly rare.

The reality is that despite the excitement generated by “starchitects” flying in to unveil their latest high-profile projects, local architects are often more likely to sense the less obvious qualities of their own city and engender a design solution as sensitive to history as it is of more elusive aspects such as light and materiality.

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The recent renovation of two 19th-century buildings along the length of the Avenue des Champs-Elysées in Paris offers a good example of how an intrinsic appreciation of local culture and brand identity translates into authentic design.

The twin three-storey structures, each measuring about 300 square metres, at numbers 30 and 32, are the only remaining buildings along the famed boulevard at the centre of the French capital to have retained their original appearance. They were recently combined through a five-month renovation into a modern flagship salon and training centre for the cult French beauty brand Biologique Recherche.

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The houses are set back from the street with an enclosed cobblestone courtyard and have an interesting history. Number 30 was referred to as the “palatial” Parisian home of the Count of Monte Cristo in Alexandre Dumas’ novel, while 20th century French statesman Édouard Daladier and the French actress Miou-Miou were just two of the well-known residents at the property.