LAB. 10 | Mardi | Maison d'Architecture & Design Intérieur

The renovation of this apartment crossing two blocks was entrusted to la maison MARDI in 2022. The project is located in the heart of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, an authentic city with a strong neo-basque architectural identity. It is a complete interior

renovation with an entire facade composition. Indeed, the original project is a veritable labyrinth where multiple pieces follow one another that lean against an almost blind facade overlooking a new street. This block-back storefront is covered by a double-pitched roof recessed from the main building. The challenge is therefore to link these two distinct volumes to create the living room of the apartment.

Yoan Jallerat : « by breaking down and linking these two spaces, we discovered a volume with a singular geometry. So we decided to stay under the crawlers, the kitchen area and the living area in the entrance area. The opening of the load-bearing wall allowed us to connect these two spaces crossed by natural light. A small terrace inside the island offers an outside access from these two areas ».

Roof openings, allow to offer a zenith light to the kitchen. The new façade had to play with light as well. Maxime Donnat says so : « This completely blind facade was originally to be entirely taken over. Regarding the decision to create the kitchen under

this volume, we had to pay special attention to the entrance of light while respecting an exterior composition. Working in the heart of the historic city of Saint Jean de Luz, we were constrained by an architecture meeting certain codes imposed by the “Architect of Buildings

of France”. So we decided to make this constraint the signature of the facade. »

The high volume is marked by a very precise frame of Basque red wood. The volume of the bottom that keep the cellars is treated

simply with a white lime paint and the exposed wooden lintels in red. This allows a clear horizontal reading of the building. The wooden supporting structure of this facade echoes the traditional methods of construction of the Basque Country while respecting a frame of tim-

bering designed to keep three perfectly identical joineries set on a regular rhythm.

This facade, by making tradition interact, thanks to its constructive methodology and modernism, thanks to its radical treatment, reveals the new identity of the project. From this dialogue, the architectural studio has made it a common thread. The contemporary suspended kitchen in walnut facade and corian worktop, is in direct contact with the original fireplace, dressed in original cement tiles. The very precise floor plan in oak parquet point of Hungary, anchors a little more the apartment in its original style.

Finally, to link these singular spaces, MARDI has rethought the concept of the wall hanging. This traditional moulding to liven up the wall, is here re-worked with a more contemporary touch: a high plinth surmounted by a string of small woods at the same pace.This design, positioned on the same height as the original fireplace, gives a unique relief to the project walls.

All these elements are accentuated by a subtle play of colors that can be found in the original window frames, dressing rooms,bathrooms etc..

it is therefore the duality between a sober exterior modest and rigorous, and a free, colorful and contemporary interior that

makes this renovation a singular intervention but provided with a certain evidence.