August 21, 2025 | DESIGN & INTERIORS
MODERN LOFT SHAPED by EIFFEL and the STATUE of LIBERTY
words Alp Tekin
photos Edvinas Bruzas
We’re in Colmar, the picturesque French town known for its iconic colorful timber-framed houses, narrow streets, and lively balconies. But that’s not all. Colmar is also known as the home of artists such as Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, who, in collaboration with Gustave Eiffel (the French engineer behind the Eiffel Tower), designed the famous Statue of Liberty.
And here, in a home that seems to contrast with the romantic atmosphere of the town yet pays homage to its craftsmanship heritage, we find ourselves in the Milo Apartment project—reminiscent of New York lofts.
The apartment's transformation, designed by London-based OZA Design, founded by Özge Öztürk and Alexandre Simeray, tells a striking “before-and-after” story.
“The shock we felt when we first saw the apartment became the starting point of the design process,” Özge and Alexandre share. “What we encountered was a 112-year-old historic building that had been converted into an office. At first glance, it was a space that had lost its soul: carpet tiles, PVC ceiling panels, and fragmented partitions. My initial reaction was, ‘This is a lost cause.’ But this challenge only motivated us further! When my partner Alexandre visited the space, he called me and said, ‘You won’t believe it, but this project has incredible potential.’ That was the moment when the design’s story started to form in our minds. Our respect for the building’s history, original texture, and spirit became the inspiration for giving it a modern identity. We focused on preserving the historic traces in every detail while creating a timeless aesthetic. What initially seemed like a distant dream eventually turned into an exciting design journey.”
ELEGANCE IN RIGIDITY
Özge and Alexandre reveal that the primary inspiration for the design process was Colmar itself: “The design process began with the rich historical fabric of Colmar. Gustave Eiffel and Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, with the powerful stories they contributed to this region’s heritage, were our sources of inspiration. The ironwork in the apartment was chosen to blend Eiffel’s engineering marvels with Bartholdi’s artistic elegance. We aimed to create a language where these two distinct geniuses intersected: an elegance within rigidity, an aesthetic within functionality! While walking through the streets of Colmar, we were drawn to the iron forms and architectural details of the buildings, which became fundamental elements guiding the design.”
Özge and Alexandre emphasize that Colmar’s artisans were at the heart of the project: “We saw every piece not just as an object but as an artwork that nourished the soul of the space. By collaborating directly with local blacksmiths, carpenters, and ceramic artists, we infused the region’s character into the design. Each artisan contributed their unique touch, adding a distinctive story to the space. The lighting, for instance, was designed to mimic the warm yet sophisticated atmosphere of Colmar’s evening light. This approach deepened the meaning of the design and allowed us to establish an organic connection between the space and its surroundings.”
TIMELESS MODERNITY
The OZA Design duo describes the apartment’s design as timeless modernity: “Industrial modern chic might define one aspect of the design, but we aimed to give the project a multi-layered identity. We created a dialogue between minimalist lines, crafted iron details, and natural textures. By blending Colmar’s nostalgic spirit with contemporary design elements, we forged a language that honors the past while focusing on the future.”
HIGHLIGHTS
- Hidden storage solutions throughout the apartment maintain a clean and organized look. Above the guest suite, an 80-square-meter storage area is concealed behind mirrors that add light and depth to the space.
- The reading lamps in the guest room were inspired by the Orient Express.
- Black-stained wood contrasts with white plaster wall finishes, directly referencing the town’s coal industry heritage.
- OZA Design collaborated with local art gallery Murmure to curate artwork that complements the project. The dining area features a sculpture by Yann Baco, while Franziskus Wendels’ paintings in the main bedroom are standout examples of this partnership.
