History
Pierre lived in a small farmhouse amidst the picturesque hills in southern Belgium. He spent his days tending to his garden and relishing the simplicity of country life. Despite the peace and serenity Pierre found among the hills, he eventually realized that his life in the countryside was becoming monotonous, and the routine didn't fulfill him; something was missing.
After much reflection, Pierre decided to leave his home behind and venture into the bustling city in search of a better life and new stories. Initially, the city seemed overwhelming and somewhat frightening due to its size, but he continued his quest for new experiences. He found a job in a factory and rented a small apartment in a high-rise building. However, the constant noise of cars, the rush of people, and long lines everywhere made him feel trapped.
Pierre longed for the tranquility he had known in the countryside but didn't know how to find it amidst the city chaos. One day, while strolling through the busy streets, he saw a small sign that read "Laverie LIBRE" (Free Laundromat). Intrigued, he decided to enter.
Inside the laundromat, he discovered a surprisingly calm and welcoming space. The gentle hum of washing machines and dryers created a kind of relaxing music, so he began visiting the laundromat regularly.
Pierre was never quite clear on why, but that laundromat had exactly what he was looking for. He chatted with other customers, read books, and even made friends. The laundromat became his refuge amid the city's chaos. He shared stories about life and the wisdom found in unexpected places. He spent so much time there that people began to know him as Monsieur Lavadoire.
Monsieur Lavadoire finally found the harmony he had sought, not in the solitude of the countryside but in the community and serenity of that laundromat.
The city can offer the quality of life one yearns for, as long as one is willing to seek it.
Introduction
In cities, as in life, surprises are necessary and enriching. Routine and everyday life subject us to the rigors of repetition, and everything seems like a song echoing repeatedly. One day it may be music to our ears, but the next, it may be a hum, noise, or clamor.
Here, everything is out of place; who determines the destiny of things, what should be. It might be a special dinner, but before reaching the main hall, the waiting room greets you with a laundry center, where washing machines are the first encounter for our guests. Following their journey, they reach the main hall, far from all sophistication and glamour.
You sit in a place in the city where you're not sure if you're visiting, eating, or doing laundry. Everything is uncertain, but it has a clear purpose, a shake-up that reminds you that life is not routine but what breaks it, confuses you, moves you, astonishes, or fascinates you. That's why it inspires you, that's why you want more, and that's why routine makes sense. Leave here thinking if there's something you want to change places with.
Description
Monsieur Lavadoire is a restaurant that takes you out of the ordinary and routine. Upon entering, you find a lobby with a wall of washing machines that transitions to the dining area. The restaurant has 13 tables distributed in an area of 160 m2. In this area, you'll notice a suspended structure with white textiles, and on the walls, wallpaper plus the surprising touches that characterize Dirk Jan Kinet.
The introduction to the Monsieur Lavadoire experience begins in the lobby, which is 33 m2, where the decontextualization of fine dining is present with a wall of 20 monochromatic washing machines, 7.0 m wide and 2.4 m high.
Complementing this visual, at the opposite end, a 4 m long mirror will be placed, creating a sense of spaciousness. Finally, the lobby will have a platform covering the entire floor area. This platform will be covered with black and white checkered vinyl. As a visual finish to our lobby, there is the lounge area composed of two armchairs and an image of Monsieur Lavadoire welcoming guests to the dining area.
The dining area, 187 m2, has a capacity for 110 guests distributed over 13 tables. Monsieur Lavadoire will have white tables, ensuring that food is the most important thing on the table. Continuing the concept, our seats are made of metal, and the arrangement of tables is designed to facilitate the circulation of waiters and guests.
The ceiling will be a suspended structure with white textiles that evoke the pleasant experience of clean clothes, the feeling of cleanliness, as the final result of the washing process exemplified by the wall of washing machines in the entrance lobby.
The structure will be suspended by two tubular profiles, 1.5" in diameter on the long side. From this same specification, 54 galvanized steel cable lines with PVC coating of 3/16" will be placed every 30 cm, tensioned with M6 3/16" cable clip clamps. White garments fixed with 75 mm wooden clamps will be placed on the cable lines.
Team:
Architect: Dr. Dirk by Dirk Jan Kinet Interiors and Graus Arquitectura
Photo credits: Jaime Navarro
