Architecture
L’éperon, a true artificial island in Boulogne-sur-Mer, is a place steeped in history, once home to one of France’s largest naval stations, which is now inactive.
Gil Bakhtiar and his teams will build two Michelin-star hotels with a thalassotherapy centre and an auditorium on this versatile urban site.
As part of the redevelopment of this 8-hectare site, which includes footpaths, temporary buildings and the old ferry terminal, a project to build two Michelin-starred hotels is to be launched:
Firstly, a 3-star hotel to be built on top of the existing building and connected to a new building, and secondly, a 4-star hotel with a seawater thalassotherapy complex.
The aim of this ambitious project
To take advantage of the privileged location of this artificial peninsula, ideally situated on the Channel coast, to welcome visitors and tourists for a moment of pure maritime relaxation.
2019
Hotels
The project to build these two hotels was the result of a global urban planning approach.
The agency’s plans were inspired by the specific context of the location.
Like a figurehead, the hotels follow the ‘naval” shape of the tip of the headland and the former ferry terminal.
Like two ships setting sail, the hotel complexes offer guests a seaworthy stay.
Part of the former pier carriageways adjacent to the old railway station will be converted into a raised pedestrian and cycle path, interspersed with planted rest areas.
Seen from the Quai Gambetta, on the opposite bank of the Liane, the promenade is perceived as a horizontal line that reinforces the impression of movement created by the position of the hotel buildings.
The “Promenade Haute”, which was raised by columns on the river side, has been preserved in its entirety.
With its impressive colonnade, which is perceived from all sides, it supports the skeleton and dynamics of the site.
The view of the ferry terminal building is largely filtered through this fragmented horizontal structure, an important element of history that springs from the past.
The architectural elements and their various functions (auditorium, hotels and thalassotherapy) only emerge after this powerful first shot.
The elevation of the top of the station does not interfere with the view, but rather acts as a flag bearer, a signal that the building exists, although in reality it is barely perceived.
The dynamism of the Promenade Haute makes this elevation all the more justified, as it symbolises belonging to the new history and separates the historical base from the new era.
The Butterfly House, whose size and softness form an attractive element shrouded in mystery, does not create any conflict with the existing structures and buildings.
The outdoor areas and paths are sufficiently large and are in balance with the built environment.
This emphasises the attractiveness of the site and provides a gentle, playful scale for walks with appropriate physical activity and cultural interest for everyone.
Not only has the memory of the site been preserved, but also attractions such as children’s playgrounds, facilities for physical activity, a signposting system for walking and cycling routes and a museum space at the end of the spur are all elements that bring the inhabitants of Boulonnais and visitors into the heart of the town, into their shared history.
The materials used, even if they are in direct resonance with those present on site, are treated in a kind of finish or colour, in a vocabulary whose plastic charter surpasses that of today.
The existing site is enlarged and plays the role of an original “black and white” grid.
The new elements – architectural, furnished, urban and planted – breathe new life into the site.
The past and the present unite their architectural styles.
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