Policronia creates a monochrome interior in vibrant Montmartre

On the spectrum of Parisian design, flouncy Montmartre and raunchy Pigalle are not known for their aesthetic subtlety. So the overhaul of Hotel Elysée Montmartre, sat on the border between the two neighbourhoods, brings a fresh, contemporary lightness to the tourist offering.

Due to be completed later this month, the hotel’s refurbishment brings miles of bare-faced eucalyptus wood to the classic Beaux Arts building. An invasive wood typically used in paper manufacturing, eucalyptus features in nearly every panel, joist and furnishing across the Elyseé’s 16 guest rooms and common areas. The look has an undeniably pared-back, Scandinavian weightlessness.

Architects from the Portuguese practice Policronia sourced the sustainable material from small forest owners, then designed and crafted nearly every element in their workshop, accessorising with plant-based fibres and natural fabrics. The original designs include artful, anthropomorphic seating, lamps and thoughtful patinated brass hardware.

Without repetitive shipping that would have arisen with external sourcing, Policronia were able to drastically reduce the carbon usage in their refit. They were also able to showcase how the lowbrow timber could be used successfully to create luxurious, high-impact interiors — not to mention a serene environment within a busy, high-traffic neighbourhood.

On the tree-lined Boulevard Marguerite de Rochechouart, Hotel Elysée Montmartre is conveniently located for Eurostar travellers, just 20 minutes’ walk from the terminal at Gare du Nord. It sits next to the iconic Elysée Montmartre concert hall, with the Moulin Rouge and Sacré Coeur cathedral nearby.

www.emhotel.fr