The Société des cendres, Paris
Restructuring of a 19th-century listed industrial building to create a business and an ecomuseum
DESIGN TEAM
AXK (© Pierre Audat & Associés) & BET COTEC
Photography ©Nicolas matheus ©Hufton+Crow
In the heart of the Marais district, the Société des Cendres, once dedicated to processing jewellers’ dust to extract precious metals, has undergone a remarkable transformation to host the Uniqlo brand. This bold project has given birth to the first boutique-museum in the capital, enhancing the site while preserving its industrial soul. The initiative has skillfully revitalized the existing structure, breathing new life into this exceptional heritage.
On a plot that is both deep and narrow, the ambition was to restore the original design of a complex composed of a street-facing building, inspired by townhouses, and workshops set back. Over time, these constructions had become obstructed and clustered, losing their initial clarity. The architectural approach, therefore, relied on transparency and fluidity of spaces to restore coherence and harmony to the whole.
Once framed by two identical façades, it now stands out for its brightness and openness. Stripped of its successive additions and punctuated by the metal structure of the large arched trusses, the central nave impresses with its spectacular character. The exposed steel beams, highlighted with care, bear witness to the site’s industrial history while offering a timeless elegance.
At the rear, the tall brick-clad chimney rises majestically, like a symbolic banner recalling the site’s original purpose. The internal circulations have been thoughtfully reimagined to preserve the historical axis of the nave while integrating a new monumental staircase. Both sober and functional, this staircase harmoniously blends into the building’s industrial heritage, combining modernity with respect for history.
The reinvented ensemble creates a subtle dialogue between past and present, offering visitors a unique experience where history is gracefully intertwined with contemporary architecture.
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