MARDI's MOT.16 beach home brings japanese inspiration to france

mardi unveils its first original construction

In southwestern France‘s coastal enclave of Cap Ferret, a newly completed home dubbed MOT.16 stands with architecture by French studio MARDI. Occupying the narrow strip of land along the tree-lined shores of the Arcachon Basin, the cabin dwelling represents a warm and welcoming harmony between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. The project had been commissioned as a cabin in maritime pine wood with an exposed timber frame, and is thus shaped by the collaborative effort between MARDI and a young carpenter.

images © Agnes Clotis | @agnesclotis

mot.16: a modern ‘oyster hut’ home for coastal france

The client’s desire for a cabin in the maritime pine wood with a traditional exposed frame set the stage for MARDI’s design of MOT.16. Drawing inspiration from both the traditional oyster hut and the ancient timber structures found across Japan, the architects embarked on a design process that would challenge conventions while celebrating its roots. Maxime Donnat, one of the project’s lead architects, tells designboom: ‘We wanted to revisit this subject, also drawing inspiration from some traditional Japanese architectures with a well-marked facade.’

Central to the design concept was the idea of a captivating front facade. Positioned prominently facing the street, this facade reveals the spirit of the building and its distinctive timber construction. By shifting the entrance to the rear, the team created a spacious covered porch that celebrates the exposed structure overhead.

the timber beach house on stilts

Addressing the challenges posed by the flood-prone location, the architects at MARDI decided to elevate the MOT.16 cabin on stilts. The outdoor terrace serves as the initial platform, providing an elevated perspective of the garden and serving as the entry point to the ground level. Maintaining proper proportions while accommodating the various programmatic elements was a significant design challenge.

To meet this challenge, a rigorous structural framework was meticulously crafted. This framework defined each distinct entity within the house, including the living room, kitchen, staircase, and bathrooms for each room. From an exterior standpoint, the Coyau, an architectural element, subtly disrupts the roof’s slope and adds a touch of softness to its overall appearance.

Upon entrance, interiors of exposed timber unfold. The wooden structural framework becomes an integral part of the interior composition, creating a sense of continuity from room to room. In an attempt to deviate from the maritime pine palette, the team introduced colorful shower interiors. Architect Yoan Jallerat explains: ‘Each shower is composed of a checkerboard floor and a solid earthenware color with zellige tiles.’

This design principle manifests in every bathroom, with each one featuring a unique color palette. This infusion of color adds vibrancy and enriches the atmosphere of the home with a playful and contemporary detail.