In 2019, Caprini & Pellerin was commissioned to undertake the complete renovation program of the legendary Palm Beach, iconic landmark building of the French Riviera.
Collaborating with local stakeholders, the Cannes-based firm was commissioned to oversee the comprehensive architectural renovation of this 247,570 square meters complex, including both exterior and interior spaces. This includes the famous restaurant La Petite Maison, the Casino, the Members' Bar, and the fitness & spa, transforming the institution into a prestigious venue. After nearly five years of meticulous restoration work conducted in three phases, the Palm Beach has been reimagined to seamlessly blend its rich history with a contemporary identity. The revitalized landmark now boasts a modernized structure, an Olympic pool, and VIP clubs, reviving its legendary status. This mythical address offers exclusive and five-star service on the Riviera. High-end entertainment is central to the vision and positioning of the new Palm Beach. Spanning over 247,570 square meters, the complex features a variety of prestigious institutions. The building includes a vast event hall of over 10,766 square meters, a sea-facing fitness & wellness center, an exclusive club and Members' bar, a casino, and nine dining establishments renowned for their haute cuisine (including Zuma, Nammos, La Petite Maison, Medusa Cabaret, Le Masque de Fer, Il Grande, and others). The complex also features a shopping gallery lined with high-end boutiques (such as Pucci, Dior & Loro Piana) and has regained its legendary seawater pool along with its private beach and pier.
To undertake this project, the architectural duo Kevin Caprini and Jerry Pellerin conducted extensive research to trace the evolution of the landmark and embarked on a conservation and reinterpretation project. The dialogue they foster between ancestral craftsmanship and contemporary innovations ensures the preservation of the site's soul and timeless charm. Locals and regular visitors will appreciate the intricate details and nods to the building's storied past. The project is deeply rooted in the heritage of a building erectedin 1928. The agency focused on enhancing and strengthening thefaçades of this historic structure. Carefully selected materials aimto improve the building's integration into its environment whilepromoting short supply chains. This approach reduces importsand prioritizes French materials and craftsmanship.
The façade coatings in polished concrete elegantly mimic lime plaster, providing the look of natural stone while with standing sea spray. The high-traffic areas are covered with Comblanchien stone, a robust Burgundy rock, for entryways, exteriors, terraces, and sidewalks, combining local character with durability. The exterior woodwork and ironwork, including railings and grilles, are in an elegant bronze hue for a timeless touch. Inside, the walls are adorned with hand-applied lime plaster, showcasing authentic craftsmanship. On the roofs, tiles similar to Marseille's terracotta preserve authenticity, accompanied by terracotta "basket" hoods and shades, evoking the typical charm of the south and Provence. In the main entrance and the Grand Gallery, the architects have utilized noble materials such as marble, travertine, and bronze to create a majestic space. The floor of the main hall features a reinterpretation of traditional terrazzo, made from small hand-molded stones, scaled up to match the grandeur of the building. This floor displays a modern carpet of vibrant marbles, reminiscent of iconic structures like St. Mark's Basilica in Venice. The marbles incude: Breccia Pernice (Italy), Jasmin Moon (India), Breccia Damascata (Italy), Calacatta Luna Fabricotti (Italy), Rosso Alicante (Italy), Verde Ming (Italy), Giallo Siena (Italy), and Verde Antigua (Iran). To balance the mineral qualities, rattan fibers have been incorporated into the coffered ceiling, adding a vegetal dimension to the overall design.
The hall is also adorned with large arches in Verde Antigua marble, adding an extra touch of elegance. In the smaller gallery, the space is designed to resemble a church nave, featuring a repetition of marble arches and vaulted ceilings in Deco Tradistone plaster. The rhythm of the arches is accentuated by the connecting band on the floor, also in green marble. The arches of the main boutiques in the Grand Gallery are crafted from exposed travertine, showcasing the raw stone in its natural state with an open-book cut. Patinated bronze showcases and metalwork enhance the contrast with the green marble arches.
The ceilings and wall ornaments in the common areas highlight the craftsmanship of plaster artisans. Monumental frescoes, paying tribute to the palm tree, embellish the main hall. The Grand Gallery houses nine boutiques and twelve showcases featuring internationally renowned brands, offering a sophisticated selection for discerning clientele.
Team:
Architects: Caprini & Pellerin
Photographer: Thomas de Bruyne