Its ocher tones reflect the surrounding hills and the nature of the soil that comprises the cultivated terraces of the hinterlands. These hills covered with vineyards tower above the sea and glint with the deep earthy hues of iron oxides.
The project, a rectangular monolith entirely coated in a gown of pink-ocher coral, faces the marina. It also marks the limits of the shore and the city. Behind this undulating envelope, access to the bedrooms is provided by large peripheral walkways that also serve as balconies for the accommodations. The walkways are covered with a self-consolidating concrete mesh inspired by a graphic, light and see-through coral design (Gorgones).
The colorful concrete mesh is at the same time a balustrade and a visual filter to the sea. It provides a wall that guarantees the intimacy of users, bedrooms and walkways. It also features openings which offer a subtle variation to the framing of the near and far landscape.
The gaze is attracted from the inside to the outside and reveals the landscape. The views become rhythmic, accentuated by the movements and the different uses.
Beyond simple matter, the project falls within a poetic and scientific approach in order to reveal the landscape.
F:\IVRY\00-COMMUNICATION\000-banyuls\PUBLICATIONaAF-S-DCE-BANYULS-plans003OK Atelier Fernandez & Serres - ground floor plan (1)
F:\IVRY\00-COMMUNICATION\000-banyuls\PUBLICATIONaAF-S-DCE-BANYULS-plans003OK Atelier Fernandez & Serres - first floor plan-rest
F:\IVRY\00-COMMUNICATION\000-banyuls\PUBLICATIONaAF-S-DCE-BANYULS-plans003OK Atelier Fernandez & Serres - 2-3-4 floors plan - a
F:\IVRY\00-COMMUNICATION\000-banyuls\PUBLICATIONaAF-S-DCE-BANYULS-plans003OK Atelier Fernandez & Serres - fifth floor plan- apa
International accommodation center for the oceanological observatory, Banyuls-sur-Mer, France
Program: Residence (74 bedrooms), restaurant, workrooms, parking
Architects: Atelier Fernandez & Serres
Office engineering: GRONTMIJ Sudéquip
Client: Laboratoire Arago - Université Pierre et Marie Curie
Area: 2980 sqm
Completion: 2013