Maison Francois: A Modern Take on the Classic Brasserie

John Whelan - GSL's Award-Winning Restaurant Design

John Whelan - GSL's inspiration for Maison Francois came from successful residential conversions of Brutalist spaces, such as Ricardo Bofill’s La Fabrica. The challenge was to create a sense of intimacy and warmth within the imposing concrete surrounds of a Brutalist structure. The solution was to blend these ideas within a traditional brasserie framework, resulting in a unique and inviting space.

The design process began with the concrete shell, creating a Brutalist ceiling coffering and laying down a polished concrete floor. Subsequent elements were designed to create warmth and intimacy. Curved walnut banquettes with privacy glass uppers are upholstered in a resistant cream linen that is tactile and inviting. These correspond with floor-to-ceiling cream linen curtains that offset the grandeur of the imposing terracotta stucco and mirror arches.

The coffered ceiling was realized 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. The restaurant covers a floor space of 500 square meters.

Bringing the kitchen into direct conversation with the room was key to creating a vibrant atmosphere. The central island pass became the focal point of the room, sitting 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.

The project started in September 2019 and opened in September 2020. 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. This knowledge was infused with more contemporary reference points such as Postmodernism and Brutalism to evolve the genre.

The main challenge was the space inherited from the landlord. 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.

In conclusion, John Whelan - GSL's Maison Francois is a testament to the power of innovative design. By blending Brutalist architecture with the warmth and intimacy of a traditional brasserie, the team has created a unique and inviting space that has earned them a prestigious Silver A' Design Award.