The old Lutetia swimming pool transformed. The only important modification was the covering of the pool by means of a concrete composite floor slab supported by a light structure. Underneath, the pool has been integrally preserved. The big empty interior is occupied in an exaggerated way: Three wooden structures disrupt the proportions of the existing place to play and dialogue with it. The whale skeletons at the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle in the Jardin des Plantes, Paris; mobile and travelling structures and ships in bottles were Denis Montel’s inspiration. The designer brings out the qualities of the existing architecture and recaptures the spirit of the 1935 swimming pool, while offering a very modern expression of the Hermés spirit at this Left Bank location.

© Michel Denance

© Michel Denance

© Michel Denance

© Michel Denance

© Michel Denance

© Michel Denance

© Michel Denance

© Michel Denance

© Michel Denance

© Michel Denance

© Bruno Clergue

© Bruno Clergue

© Bruno Clergue

© Bruno Clergue

‘…While the interior architecture, designed by the RDAI agency, scrupulously respects the identity of this listed former pool, it categorically refuses to be nostalgic. The impressive space beneath the skylights is thus invaded by three big huts in light, braided ash wood, rising up towards the sun. Technical feats by a contemporary artisan, these playful cabins are like nomadic structures enlivening the strict lines of the space designed in 1935. Thanks to them, Hermés is once again blending the familiar emotions inspired by tradition with the energy of innovation. Designed to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, this new store houses all our métiers, with a special emphasis on the home…’

ARCHITECT: RDAI, Paris, France. ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: Architect Denis Montel. PROJECT INTERIOR ARCHITECTS: Dominique Hébrard, Sybil Coldefy. PROJECT ASSISTANT: Mathieu Alfandary. CLIENT: Hermés Sellier. LOCATION: 17 Rue de Sévres, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris 6ème, France. EXECUTIVE ARCHITECT: Agence JLA, José Albertini. No part of this web site may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of Morfae and the copyright owner.