Maison Francois Primêre Funksje: Restaurant by John Whelan - GSL

Maison Francois Primêre Funksje: Restaurant by John Whelan - GSL is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2021 A' Design Award yn Sulver in Gastfrijheid, Rekreaasje, Reizgjen en Toerisme Ûntwerp Competition Category.

SulverGastfrijheid· 2021

Maison Francois Primêre Funksje: Restaurant

by John Whelan - GSL

Client: The Guild of Saint Luke

A' Design Award yn Sulver Winner in Gastfrijheid Category

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The Design

About Maison Francois Primêre Funksje: Restaurant

Maison Francois is in restaurant fan 500 fjouwerkante meter, kreëarre binnen in keale betonnen skulp. It kassettenplafond is makke fan fonysk materiaal, skildere yn neipboatse semint om te passen by de polere betonnen flier. Bôge notebeamehouten banketten mei privacyglês boppekanten binne bekleed mei rjemmekleurich linnen, en flier-oant-plafond rjemmekleurige linnen gerdinen kontrastearje mei it terrakotta stukwurk en de spegelbôgen. It houtwurk is fan notebeamehout en mahonyhout, mei patinearre brûns en nikkel metaalwurk. De sintrale eilânpas foarmet it brânpunt fan de romte en ferbynt de keuken mei de itenromte.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award yn Sulver

Maison Francois Primêre Funksje: Restaurant is in winner fan de A' Design Award yn Sulver, in bûtengewoan prestisjeuze erkenning foar topûntwerpen dy't prachtich en yndrukwekkend binne. Sulverwinners binne tige briljante en ekstreem kreative wurken dy't de treflike ekspertize, it talint en de skerpsinnigens fan har ûntwerpers yllustrearje. Fan Maison Francois Primêre Funksje: Restaurant wurdt ferwachte dat it in prachtich foarbyldwurk is, opmerklik profesjoneel en djip ynnovatyf. Dit winnende ûntwerp fan de A' Design Award yn Sulver is in tige opfallende, bewûndere útfining dy't foardiel bringt en de grinzen fan keunst, wittenskip, ûntwerp en technology ferleget. Maison Francois Primêre Funksje: Restaurant is in skepping dêr't breed oerjûn wurdt, dy't winsken wekker makket, positive gefoelens bringt en ferwûnderjen en fernuvering opwekket.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Initially, the concrete shell was taken as the starting point, creating a Brutalist ceiling coffering and laying down a polished concrete floor. Once the framework was established, ensuing elements were designed to create that elusive warmth and intimacy. Curved walnut banquettes with privacy glass uppers are upholstered in a resistant cream linen that are tactile and inviting. They correspond with floor-to-ceiling cream linen curtains that offset the grandeur of the imposing terracotta stucco and mirror arches.
Dimensions & Packaging: 500 square metres floor space
Tags: Restaurant, Brasserie, London
Production Technology: The coffered ceiling was realised in phonic material and painted in faux-cement to match the polished concrete floor. Joinery is in walnut and mahogany, with patinated brass and nickel metalwork. Upholstery and drapery is in cream linen.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was the space that was inherited from the landlord. A far cry from the warm and welcoming environment desired by the client, it was a cavernous concrete shell with no discernible features of interest. The façade offered little more by way of inspiration, being part of a somewhat generic new build. It was therefore necessary to think carefully about how the large volume could be animated, and how to create visibility from the street.
Research: Much of the research that went into this project had been conducted over several years, working on restoring and re-designing historic brasseries in France. Everything that was learned by the studio during this period was applied to the project, but this knowledge was infused with more contemporary reference points such as Postmodernism and Brutalism in order to evolve the genre.
Inspiration: Rather than taking the more tried and tested route of looking to the Art Deco period for inspiration, the design looked at successful residential conversions of Brutalist spaces, such as Ricardo Bofill’s, La Fabrica. What interested the team was how the designers managed to create a sense of intimacy and warmth despite their imposing concrete surrounds. The solution was to find the right dosage of these ideas, within a more traditional brasserie framework.
Project Duration: The project started in September 2019 and opened in September 2020
Operation Flow: Bringing the kitchen into direct conversation with the room was key to creating a vibrant atmosphere, and so the central island pass became the focal point of the room. It sits underneath a monumental Rado inspired clock flanked by a lambs-tongue mahogany and bevelled mirror canopy that recalls the windows of the Ismaili Centre. Metals range from patinated nickel to burnished brass, all heavy on texture and designed to warm up the space.
Team Members: Designer: John Whelan for The Guild of Saint Luke
Image Credits: Photography by Oskar Proctor