The Zoology project
Watch a video about the La Zoologie project with designer Benoît Convers.
Hélène and François Touber are a Parisian couple, thinkers and owners of 4 hotels in the French capital and another in Siena, Italy. In 2016, their passion for architecture led them to embark on a new adventure when they acquired the Institute of Zoology in Bordeaux to renovate and transform it into a four-star hotel.
As the building dates back to the 19th century, their challenge was to take a dual approach to its architecture, combining the restoration of the old with a touch of modern decoration. The hotel is divided into three wings: the first is the period building itself, reflecting the essence of the place. The other two are more contemporary in style, with wood and glass structures symbolising botany and geology.
Hélène and François first came across ibride in London when they found a Juno goose in their son's flat. Fascinated by the originality of "Mobilier de Compagnie", they visited the ibride stand at the "Maison & Objet" fair in Paris.
This first encounter with the brand's universe gave rise to the project of a bespoke piece of furniture, specially designed by ibride, to welcome guests in the remarkable lobby of their hotel in Bordeaux.
A strong link brings us together, that of the confusion between the animal and human kingdoms".
Carine Jannin, ibride editor
When Hélène contacted ibride in April 2018, the project was seen as an opportunity to work with people imbued with values similar to those of the company. As the Institut de Zoologie was originally a scientific centre dedicated to the study of animals, the two worlds seemed to fit perfectly.
Benoît Convers took on the design of this reception desk, but went even further, creating two majestic lion sculptures for the hotel's veranda.
He designed a 5-metre-long reception desk inspired by 19th-century furniture, sofas that can be cut in half to share, and pic bœuf outdoor lamps.
The creations were then presented to Hélène and François as the result of the designer's understanding and analysis of the project. At this meeting, the couple gave their positive approval to all the designer's proposals, demonstrating the importance of the mutual trust that characterises all interactions between the couple and the brand. This relationship, based on respect and reciprocity, gives ibride a great deal of artistic freedom.
The direct contact between Ibride and the couple made this relationship particularly special. Thanks to this complicity, Hélène and François wanted to extend the project by asking the designers to propose a plan for the hotel bar, the heart of the space. This project once again stimulated the creativity of Benoît Convers.
Ibride's innovative use of new materials contributed greatly to the identity of the building. Inspired by the infinite variety of textures and surfaces that nature offers, the brand enriched the environment with a variety of tactile sensations and a rich visual language alluding to the animal world.
Salomé Laurent
