Photographer: Christophe Dugied

Silent Gliss Hand Operated Curtain Track System

Silent Gliss

Photographer: Gilles Trillard

Never short on paradoxes, Molitor cultivated its status as a listed historical monument, while at the same time requiring full reconstruction. How could pastiche therefore be avoided? How could authenticity be preserved?

It was by combining the know-how of four architects that Molitor responded to this challenge with a simple approach: Where the elements of art deco were located, the place was rebuilt as Lucien Pollet had imagined it in 1929. This is particularly the case in the winter pool, the booths, or the restaurant. it is also very visibly the case on the exterior facade with its yellow tango colour!

Where the original elements could not be found, and of course in the new spaces, the architecture is completely contemporary. In charge of historical matters, the Perrot and Richard firm conducted an authentic investigation to find the colours, measurements, signage and original materials in the damaged concrete and under the layers of paint that had accumulated over time. Jacques Rougerie, an enthusiast of the marine environment and an inventor of Transaquatic environments, was asked for his opinion on the renovation of the pools and for the unique design of a venue of urban vitality but which is bathed in water.

The Derbesse firm coordinated all the work and designed the raising of the building to house the guest rooms. Transparent, straight as a die, it complements the building while respecting its original appearance. Finally, Jean-Philippe Nuel was the Molitor interior designer. He imagined a journey in which eras interact with one another, from the birth of swimming baths in the 1930 s to the present.

Jean-Philippe Nuel

Photographer: Gilles Trillard