Crafting Unique Spaces: The Géométral Design Philosophy
From Hypothetical Concepts to Concrete Realities: Géométral's Foundational Approach
In its initial phase, the studio compensated for a lack of completed projects by developing theoretical architectural designs placed on existing terrains. This methodology was not merely an artistic exercise but a crucial element in their development, enabling the firm to establish a precise framework for site evaluation and design experimentation before undertaking actual commissions. By meticulously treating hypothetical projects with the same technical rigor as tangible ones, the studio built a comprehensive repertoire of design responses to environmental factors, which now informs their constructed works.
The Enduring Power of the Hand-Drawn Sketch in Architectural Exploration
A fundamental aspect of Géométral's creative process lies in the evocative capacity of hand-rendered sketches. Unlike computer-generated visualizations, which frequently emphasize surface finishes, the studio's drawings prioritize the intended spatial experience and ambient characteristics. For Masurier, sketching serves as an investigative instrument that complements, rather than being superseded by, technical stages. It allows for a focus on spatial organization, the interplay of light, and the overall emotional resonance of a space, free from the superficial details of digital models.
Narrative as a Core Design Element: Experiencing Architecture Through Storytelling
Simultaneously, this commitment led the studio to formulate a unique descriptive style for its projects, portraying architecture as a central character within a graphical narrative. Instead of dry technical specifications, the descriptions delve into the sensory journey of inhabiting a space, focusing on elements like the "rhythms of solitude" or the nuances of "seasonal transitions." These narratives are constructed by pinpointing the sensory essence of a location—such as the scent of sea salt or the warmth of sunlight on stone—and integrating these experiential qualities into the architectural program.
Bridging Concept and Construction: Translating Narrative into Structural Integrity
The transition from conceptualization to practical implementation occurs as the desired atmospheric qualities and narrative intentions conveyed through sketches are translated into concrete structural parameters. This involves, for instance, determining the precise curvature of a vaulted ceiling or the optimal thickness of a stone wall to achieve specific thermal performance. The initial hand drawings and their accompanying narratives act as a guiding compass, ensuring that the project's original vision remains intact, even as it navigates the complex logistics and technical intricacies of construction.
Les Bômes: A Coastal Retreat Embracing the Elements
The studio's design methodology is distinctly illustrated by the contrast between its coastal and rural ventures. On Ré Island, the dynamic nature of the Atlantic coast inspired a subtle design approach, culminating in the Les Bômes residence. This linear, elevated structure, supported by pilotis, minimizes ground disturbance and optimizes natural air circulation. This approach exemplifies a departure from standardized "international style" solutions, favoring a site-specific architecture where the unique wind patterns, solar orientation, and geological composition of the location serve as the foundational blueprint for the design.
Barba Jupiter: A Self-Sustaining Atelier on a Secluded Island
Another illustrative project is the Barba Jupiter studio-house on Porquerolles Island. The site's remote location, accessible only by sea, necessitated a construction process focused on resource independence. The architectural response drew inspiration from Mediterranean building traditions, featuring thick stone walls and vaulted ceilings to create an inherent passive cooling system, minimizing reliance on external energy sources. This project embodies the studio's narrative-driven approach to habitation, presenting the building not merely as a structure but as a climatic tool. By seamlessly integrating solar power generation and rainwater harvesting into the structural design of the overhanging roof, Géométral ensures the building functions as a self-sufficient extension of its delicate ecosystem.
Le Banana Split: Modernizing History with Structural Ingenuity
In the extensive revitalization of a historic hotel situated in La Rochelle, Géométral showcases its expertise in structural enhancements. To contemporize a confined masonry building facing the Old Port, the studio incorporated an external framework onto the existing volume. This added exoskeleton now bears the primary vertical loads, freeing the interior from its former restrictive layout and enabling the creation of open-plan communal areas. On the ground floor, a timber structure with ribs, reminiscent of an inverted boat hull, provides the expansive span necessary to integrate the restaurant space with the public quay, while flexible, operable windows visually extend the interior space towards the waterfront.
Daikokubashira: A Minimalist Atelier Rooted in Ancient Principles
The studio's exploration of structural archetypes culminates in a strikingly minimalist design for the Daikokubashira atelier in rural Brittany. Conceived for an energy engineer, this detached workspace deviates from the traditional masonry of the French countryside, drawing inspiration instead from the Japanese concept of the "heart pillar." Architecturally, the project operates around a central structural system, where a single vertical column supports the entire roof load via a primary beam assembly. This arrangement facilitates an open floor plan, unburdening the exterior envelope from structural demands and allowing for a continuous, highly transparent facade that maximizes natural light. By organizing the program within a self-sufficient pavilion—relying on a wood-burning stove for thermal regulation and integrated rainwater harvesting—Géométral demonstrates how a singular, central element can define an entire environmental and professional micro-territory.