Hôtel des Douanes
Bordeaux
Development of the reception areas for a conference centre
-
08.08.2024
Completion of the Hôtel des Douanes, Bordeaux
With the aim of expanding its reception areas, the Palais de la Bourse in Bordeaux has entrusted us with the refurbishment of the ground floor of the Hôtel des Douanes, which sits on Place de la Bourse. Built in the eighteenth century, heavily damaged in WWII, and rebuilt in the 1950s, this historic urban complex is a shining example of classic French architecture and of the history of Bordeaux. Our work, which consists of technical upgrades, interior restorations, and the showcasing of the building’s heritage is in keeping with the refinement of French designers and restores this landmark building for the people of Bordeaux.
Photo credit: Alban de Jong
In the heart of Bordeaux, the City of Stone, the Hôtel des Douanes and the Palais de la Bourse have been occupied by the Customs Authority and the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce and Industry since their construction. They have been listed as historic monuments since the early twentieth century.
The covered inner courtyard of the Palais de la Bourse now hosts prestigious professional events. The Bordeaux Gironde Chamber of Commerce and Industry wanted to expand the reception area, and to this end, it has taken over a part of the ground floor of the Hôtel des Douanes. Our work, which consists of technical upgrades, interior restorations, and the showcasing of the building’s heritage is in keeping with the refinement of French designers and restores this landmark building for the people of Bordeaux.
Designed by Jacques Gabriel in the mid-eighteenth century, the Place de la Bourse is flanked by the Hôtel des Douanes and the Palais de la Bourse. It is emblematic of classic French architecture and of royal squares. Victor Hugo once described it as “half Place Vendôme placed at the water’s edge”.
Patte, Pierre, Graveur
18e siècle
Musée Carnavalet, Histoire de Paris
Plan
Severely damaged in WWII, the buildings were rebuilt to their former specifications with identical facades and roofs. A modern structure of reinforced concrete (slab and beam) was built in the interior. Our approach has sought to preserve these different historical layers, stripping the interior facades to reveal the stonework and preserving the beams.
Chantier
Once the spaces were cleared, we focused on showcasing the interior elevations, designing the ceilings, and technically upgrading the space to current standards. An office and washrooms were created to ensure the proper functioning of this site, and a new emergency exit and an airlocked entrance were created to comply with fire prevention regulations.
In echoing the stone walls, a travertine basin was custom designed by Atelier Cambium and constructed by Le Son du Marbre, a Bordeaux stonecutting company. The waterfall, the warmth of the materials, and the carefully designed lighting lend a sense of poetry and sensuality to the whole.
