Laura Gonzalez : “I’ve worked with Cartier on several occasions to renovate their boutiques around the world. I was delighted to be able to return to the world of the house, this time with a new challenge. La Résidence is a different kind of project, at the crossroads between retail and private. It’s an emblematic location for the house, and I wanted to transform it while preserving its history and paying tribute to the house’s exceptional heritage of drawings, sketches and archives. It’s a space that has welcomed, and continues to welcome, the house’s most prestigious clients and fabulous events, so I wanted to recreate the comforting atmosphere of a living flat conducive to entertaining.”

When did you first visit 13 rue de la Paix ?

WHAT DID THIS ADDRESS MEAN TO YOU ?

Laura Gonzalez :“Le 13 Paix is a celebration of French art de vivre, an ode to detail and Parisian architecture with its vaulted ceilings and elaborate parquet floors. For me, this place not only has a strong identity, but also brings together a multitude of influences and references to Louis Cartier’s travels. Above all, it is an institution in the Cartier ecosystem: an exclusive space nestled under the rooftops, a place to live, to exchange ideas and to be inspired.”

Nicolas Foussier : “It’s a very sentimental project for me. When we were discussing future projects that might come up in 2020, Xavier Arm, Plendi’s CEO, was scanning the sites and when he said “Rue de la Paix”, I stopped listening to the rest of the discussion. This really is a very special project, we’ve put a lot of energy into it, the whole team has worked enormously hard to achieve this final result.”

3 words to describe the Residence ?

​​

NICOLAS FOUSSIER : “CALM, LIGHT AND LUXURY.”

LAURA GONZALEZ : “NATURAL, SOOTHING AND PRECIOUS.”

What inspired you throughout the project ?

Laura Gonzalez : “The house archives, of course, and the history of the place. I based my work largely on floral elements, a central element of Cartier, and the bestiary developed by Jeanne Toussaint, who created the emblematic panther. There are the fish brooches that I transposed onto the marble marquetry of the tabletop in the dining room, there are the zebras and peacocks on the folding screen… a whole profusion of animals, shapes and colours that make up the Cartier universe in my opinion.”

What was your greatest challenge in designing the Residence ?

Laura Gonzalez :“We had to meet Cartier’s requirements: it’s a space reserved for prestigious clients, almost private, but it still has a commercial vocation. So we had to juggle an intimate, comfortable atmosphere with references to the identity of the brand and its jewellery.”

Nicolas Foussier :

“For Plendi, it was a question of integrating all the constraints required by the shop for its operation. All the technical integration is completely hidden, the only thing you can see is the light fittings. The rest, if you don’t pay attention, is invisible…

After the Residence, the challenge was huge. In this cramped space, we had to manage to integrate a beautiful dining room, a large fully-equipped kitchen where you could invite a top chef… and also the winter garden, the bathroom and the meditation room. It wasn’t easy on paper.”

What colour palettes did you choose ?

Laura Gonzalez : “Green, beige, gold and a touch of blue, combined with different materials to create a harmonious, elegant look. The red line for this project, as for the boutiques, was to make reference to the house’s emblematic motifs and colours.”

What elements did you design to furnish the Residence ?

Laura Gonzalez : “The sofa and armchair, the tables and chairs… Everything has been made in close collaboration with French craftsmen.”

What are your favourite materials for the Résidence ?

Laura Gonzalez : “Mosaics, crystal, velvet and silk, wood and metal… The materials work together to create a special atmosphere.”

What artistic currents inspired you for this project ?

Laura Gonzalez :“I have a fairly neo-classical style, and I draw my inspiration from a wide variety of places and periods, always proposing a colourful and eclectic universe. The Cartier archives, of course, have been my main source of inspiration. There’s so much to choose from!”

Has Cartier’s cultural heritage been a creative playground ?

Laura Gonzalez :“Of course! The House’s heritage is so vast that it’s hard not to find something you like. There’s such a mix of classic codes with contemporary touches, such a work of reinterpretation of the archives with new techniques, it fascinates me! There’s a huge variety of influences, and therefore styles, and I find my way around. I’m always looking for new sources of inspiration and there are so many possibilities with Cartier that yes, I think we can talk about a creative playground.”

Nicolas Foussier : “In any case, it was essential to respect the history and heritage of Cartier, especially at 13 rue de la Paix, which is the historic boutique. Using Cartier’s history as a guiding principle meant that we could move from one room or floor to another, changing the atmosphere but remaining true to the Cartier codes.

In the Agence Moinard Bétaille areas, we made extensive use of period woodwork, particularly in the Louis Cartier lounge. Another anecdote: in the Jean Cocteau salon, we created a secret library with a one-way mirror displaying the writer’s academician’s sword, which was made by Cartier. On the first floor, we have the Jeanne Toussaint salon, which was Cartier’s artistic director. The straw marquetry consoles are modelled on the small jewellery boxes she created. On the metalwork, railings and banisters of the patio and monumental staircase, details of the Love bracelet with a split-head screw were used.

Another detail, on a coffered staff ceiling, was the Clash rings. And at the junction of these different coffers, there was a small construction hole that needed to be filled. So we came to Cartier with the idea of putting a cabochon to close it off, and we submitted the idea of doing it in the form of the Plendi star. We are now part of Cartier’s history.”

To see this article on goodMoods click here

PLENDI by VINCI Construction, the Group’s luxury entity

Backed by 30 years of experience, VINCI Construction has been responsible for a number of large-scale, high-profile projects, including the Fondation Louis Vuitton and the renovations of La Samaritaine and Roland Garros. In the same vein, PLENDI by VINCI Construction supports professionals and private individuals in the renovation of exceptional properties.

PLENDI’s strength? Years of experience in the building industry, listening to its customers, putting its high standards and know-how at the service of a creative vision, and offering innovative solutions. It’s a comprehensive expertise that’s firmly rooted in the world of luxury. The proof is in the many exceptional projects signed by PLENDI, such as the Carlton hotel, the Mandarin Oriental, the Shangri-La, the Cartier boutique and the new Carita beauty salon. And one of the keys to success is certainly knowing our capacity and resources, and limiting the number of projects we take on.

Carita Beauty House in Paris. Architects Studio REV. ©Vladimir Partalo

Hand-in-hand projects with renowned architects

For each project, the PLENDI by VINCI Construction general contractor works in close collaboration with the architect(s) and decorator(s) who initiated the project. It’s a team effort: “We (editor’s note: PLENDI) are involved from the shell to the finishing touches,” explains Mathilde Dion, the brand’s Development Director. With its teams and powerful network of experts, PLENDI follows the project from A to Z.

PLENDI has been involved in a number of exceptional establishments, such as the first Bvlgari Hotel in Paris, designed by the Valode & Pistre architectural firm and decorated by the Italian Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel agency. The general contractor has also worked with other big names in architecture and design, including Sybille de Margerie, Pierre-Yves Rochon, Gilles & Boissier, Tristan Auer, Liaigre and Laura Gonzalez, all of whom can be found on Signatures Singulières Magazine!

Hôtel BVLGARI, Paris. ©BVLGARI

The ecological transition at the heart of every project

In addition to offering an excellent service, PLENDI is increasingly concerned about building with less impact on the planet. “We work harder to produce better,” says Mathilde Dion. Indeed, the VINCI Group brings together many tools to ensure that its projects are as environmentally friendly as possible. It’s a culture that drives the group and that PLENDI seeks to introduce into each of its projects by playing the role of specifier and by organising meetings, for example, like the “Les rencards du beau” event. “The idea is to invite inspirational people to talk about their innovations,” confides Mathilde. And their commitment doesn’t stop there. PLENDI by VINCI Construction was also a partner of the “Amour Vivant” biennial event, presented by the Association pour un Design Soutenable and held last October in Paris. The idea was to highlight innovations in bio-sourced and petrochemical-free materials. Building with meaning is also the PLENDI signature.

Dior boutique avenue Montaigne, Paris.

Interview with Mathilde Dion
Director of development for the PLENDI by VINCI Construction brand.

How did the brand come into being ?

Mathilde Dion : In 2015, the construction sector was in crisis. We were looking to reinvent ourselves. At VINCI Construction, we had some good experience on high-end projects. But that represented only a tiny fraction of our projects. So we decided that this was the type of project we wanted to work on and that if we wanted to see them through to the end, if we wanted to develop our skills, we needed to create a dedicated entity. That’s how PLENDI by VINCI Construction, the first luxury brand in the construction industry, came into being.

What services does PLENDI offer ?

Mathilde Dion : We are a general contractor, which means that we are the orchestra conductor for all the subcontractors, craftsmen and artisans on a site. Although we’re best known for the quality of our finishes and our experience in managing complex projects, one of our great strengths is the structural work we do with our site workers. We know Parisian basements inside out, and often dig them to add swimming pools, nightclubs or technical facilities. Our customers come to us for our knowledge of beauty, but they choose us above all for our technical expertise.

What is a typical site like ?

Mathilde Dion :At the outset of the project, the customer, whether an individual or a company, defines the intentions of the worksite with the chosen architect. PLENDI by VINCI Construction then steps in to carry out the work, working with its own network of craftsmen and artisans. In all, the brand has around fifty expert partners. These include marble mason Jean-Pierre Ildei, Sofrastyl, Ateliers Gohard for painting and gilding, Atelier Midavaine for lacquering, Lison de Caunes for straw marquetry, and many more…

What is your biggest project to date ?

Mathilde Dion : All our projects are important and resonate with PLENDI. But if I had to choose just one, it would be the Mandarin Oriental in Paris. For the record, the teams at the Mandarin Oriental entrusted us with their project when we didn’t yet have any references in the luxury sector, or even in hotels. That was in 2010. It was a very difficult project, but also a very instructive one. In fact, it was this project that aroused our curiosity and our taste and pushed us to launch ourselves. A few years later, Le Mandarin Oriental contacted us again to take charge of the Mandarin Oriental site in London. We then worked together again on the suites at the Paris address. A true partnership was created.

What projects are you currently working on ?

Mathilde Dion : a sublime private mansion on the Quais Malaquais and a private residence in Juan-Les-Pins. We are also working on the renovation of all the rooms and suites in a Parisian luxury hotel. A jewel in the hotel industry, but be quiet, because the work is being carried out while the hotel is still open…
and our value here is to blend in with the decor. As you can imagine, our projects are very confidential, but if you take a look around Place Vendôme, we’re working on a flagship store.

Hôtel particulier Potocki in Paris. ©Gilles de Laubier

Carlton Hotel in Cannes. ©Tomatoki

Find out more about the interview on : Good Moods – La Maison de Beauté Carita par REV STUDIO x Plendi – GOODMOODS nourrit les humeurs créatives ! Le premier cahier de tendances qui capture les tendances du moment et les moods les plus inspirés.

Intervention de Plendi by Vinci Construction

Le marché, d’une durée de 30 mois, va permettre de redonner complètement vie fin 2023 à ce bâtiment emblématique de la Côte d’Azur, construit à la fin des années 1920 sur les plans de l’architecte Roger Séassal. Fermé dans les années 70, il était ensuite tombé peu à peu à l’abandon.

« Il s’agit d’une réhabilitation lourde qui va nécessiter de poursuivre les travaux de renforcement de la structure pour répondre au changement d’usage mais aussi d’engager des travaux spécifiques de restauration, liés à un ouvrage historique », confirme Laurent Nauche, le directeur délégué Côte d’Azur de Vinci Construction France.

Pour mettre en œuvre ces différents savoir-faire, Triverio Construction va être assisté de Plendi, la société de Vinci Construction France dédiée aux réalisations d’exception dans les domaines de l’hôtellerie de luxe et de l’immobilier de prestige. Le chantier, qui vient de s’engager, nécessitera, pendant les périodes les plus actives, des effectifs et moyens conséquents : une centaine de personnes en phase gros œuvre puis environ 300 personnes lors de la réalisation des corps d’état techniques et architecturaux.

Réhabilitation en BIM

Une grue de 45 m a été installée sur le chantier et suivra la mise en place d’un échafaudage de 35 m de haut en façade. Le n°1 français du BTP a également prévu de faire appel à une sous-traitance locale.

A noter que ce projet global de réhabilitation va être exécuté en BIM, une démarche qui a nécessité une modélisation numérique préalable complète du bâtiment mais dont l’avantage va être d’optimiser les choix techniques et leur mise en oeuvre au niveau du traitement des fluides et des réseaux par exemple.

Avec cette opération et après avoir engagé la réhabilitation-extension de l’hôtel Carlton à Cannes à laquelle prennent part également les équipes de Plendi, Vinci Construction France va mener un nouveau projet de réhabilitation d’un lieu emblématique de l’histoire de la Côte d’Azur. Pour le groupe Caudwell, il s’agit de la concrétisation de ses projets antibois après la réalisation des résidences de grand luxe Parc du Cap (88 appartements) et Les Oliviers (six appartements).

Source : Travaux publics bâtiment du Midi

Auteur : Rémy Mario

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