Amidst a wild and windy landscape, Moreau Kusunoki Architectes had the honour to design a production space, the - maroquinerie - for a prestigious leather goods house. A reflection of the minutious craftsmanship and detail-oriented nature of the collections produced, the building instills these qualities in its architecture.
With a clear intent in innovating work spaces dedicated to the artists and artisans behind covetted leather goods, the building has two large low-lying spaces, which shift and slide into a position enabling a maximum of North light to enter into its facilities. Bestowing an equal and stable distribution of natural daylight, the project favours floor-to-ceiling glazing with an extended roof, shading passersby and controlling the amount of daylight on the southern ends of the building. This transforms a traditional workspace into one surrounded by expansive views of the landscape. Not only were the ergonomics of the interior space crucial, but the wellbeing of employees and visitors had to be assured through the light and visual impacts seeping in from the exterior.
Similar to the stitching and details of a leather bag, the structure of the building aims to emphasize its integrity and honesty. Great care was given to maintaining clear and concise articulations in the joinery of the Japanese-style timber structure as visitors flow through the rhythmic promenade of the building. A play on charred wood cladding, produced through the craft of yaki sugi, accompanies this exposed structure. The tangible qualities of the structure once again mimics the haptic qualities experienced upon encountering a leather goods collection.
With the intelligent geometry in its form and sobre finishes, the architecture fosters a dialogue between the artisan, time, and craftsmanship. Much like leather, the - maroquinerie - remains modest and ready to be enhanced only through time and perennial use.
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