Refurbishment of the Marina

The competition for the third edition of the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina called for a sustainable rethinking of the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat marina on the French Riviera. For us, the marina is the starting point for a broader reflection: it is a key element of the seafront, an interface between people and water, an element with which we must develop a symbiotic relationship.It is also a place for education and awareness, with a role in promoting the importance of preserving the marine environment through responsible resource management — a fundamental role for architecture to play.With this in mind, the FRESH Architecture team based in Nice imagined a series of inverted parasols made from recycled sails, positioned within the courtyard of the existing building, which is retained and refurbished. The building has been reinterpreted to preserve its original use while introducing new functions.The courtyard, originally used for boat manoeuvring, is shaded by the parasols, while steps leading up to the terrace allow it to become a stage when the space is not being used for boats, adapting to the time of day and the season.Beneath the courtyard lies a rainwater collection tank which, together with the stepped seating, evokes an ancient theatre. This architectural reference echoes Villa Kerylos, a local heritage landmark that in turn connects us to Delos, where rainwater flowing down the steps was collected and stored in underground cisterns.