Maison Escalier, Paris by Moussafir Architectes

The minimalist galley kitchen has views to the living areas on three sides

A few stairs lead up to various open levels housing the interconnected dining and living areas

A generous sense of space and natural lighting were central to the design solution and an open plan effortlessly leads from one room - and level - to the other

Says de Rugy: 'I had three main demands: my new home had to be widely open, so that anyone, anywhere in the house could easily connect with one another. It also had to be environmentally friendly and largely automated'

The owner's office on the first floor landing benefits from vast amounts of natural light

'The living room is one of my two favourite spots in the house,' says de Rugy. It's connected with every other space and the laser-cut shutters allow a very distinctive link with the outside world'

Light wells bring further light into the rear of the house

Fine woodwork, featuring in the parquet-panelled walls and floors, is courtesy of specialist Austrian firm Tischlerei Bereuter

Only the top-floor master bedroom and bathroom were designed to offer a sense of privacy

There is a smaller light well in the bedroom to maximise the available light