'Maison Francois' by John Whelan: Innovation in Restaurant

Maison Francois

Restaurant for The Guild of Saint Luke

The design of Maison Francois aims to evolve the brasserie genre. Rather than looking to the Art Deco period for inspiration, GSL embraced Postmodernism and Brutalism, most notably referencing Ricardo Bofill’s La Fabrica in Barcelona, with its grand terracotta arches and rough cement ceiling. The layout of the restaurant nevertheless follows a classic brasserie format, with noble materials throughout and details that evoke iconic establishments of the past.

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Maison Francois by John Whelan

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Maison Francois Restaurant Press Releases

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Unique Properties

Initially, the concrete shell was taken as the starting point, creating a Brutalist ceiling coffering and laying down a polished concrete floor. Once the framework was established, ensuing elements were designed to create that elusive warmth and intimacy. Curved walnut banquettes with privacy glass uppers are upholstered in a resistant cream linen that are tactile and inviting. They correspond with floor-to-ceiling cream linen curtains that offset the grandeur of the imposing terracotta stucco and mirror arches.

Production Technology

The coffered ceiling was realised in phonic material and painted in faux-cement to match the polished concrete floor. Joinery is in walnut and mahogany, with patinated brass and nickel metalwork. Upholstery and drapery is in cream linen.

Design Challenge

The main challenge was the space that was inherited from the landlord. A far cry from the warm and welcoming environment desired by the client, it was a cavernous concrete shell with no discernible features of interest. The façade offered little more by way of inspiration, being part of a somewhat generic new build. It was therefore necessary to think carefully about how the large volume could be animated, and how to create visibility from the street.

Project Duration

The project started in September 2019 and opened in September 2020

Operation Flow

Bringing the kitchen into direct conversation with the room was key to creating a vibrant atmosphere, and so the central island pass became the focal point of the room. It sits underneath a monumental Rado inspired clock flanked by a lambs-tongue mahogany and bevelled mirror canopy that recalls the windows of the Ismaili Centre. Metals range from patinated nickel to burnished brass, all heavy on texture and designed to warm up the space.

Research

Much of the research that went into this project had been conducted over several years, working on restoring and re-designing historic brasseries in France. Everything that was learned by the studio during this period was applied to the project, but this knowledge was infused with more contemporary reference points such as Postmodernism and Brutalism in order to evolve the genre.

Inspiration

Rather than taking the more tried and tested route of looking to the Art Deco period for inspiration, the design looked at successful residential conversions of Brutalist spaces, such as Ricardo Bofill’s, La Fabrica. What interested the team was how the designers managed to create a sense of intimacy and warmth despite their imposing concrete surrounds. The solution was to find the right dosage of these ideas, within a more traditional brasserie framework.

Image Credits

Photography by Oskar Proctor

Project Overview

Maison Francois Restaurant has been a Silver winner in the Hospitality, Recreation, Travel and Tourism Design award category in the year 2020 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

Silver Recognition

John Whelan was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2021, a testament to excellence of their work Maison Francois Restaurant.

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Maison Francois: Evolving the Brasserie Genre with Postmodernism and Brutalism

John Whelan's The Guild of Saint Luke reimagines the classic brasserie format with the launch of Maison Francois, a London restaurant that draws inspiration from Postmodernism and Brutalism, infusing warmth and intimacy into a cavernous concrete shell.

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