Case Studies
L’Usine Paris
Before the war L'Usine was a factory in the centre of Paris, which was subsequently converted to an office by Crédit Lyonnais but then it suffered a major fire. Owners, Patrick Joly and Patrick Rizz
o, formerly of the Gymnase Club, wanted to make the most of the exposed stonework of the original building, which in the basement area pre-dates the re-building of Paris after the Revolution; this included an amazing carved wooden staircase discovered during the construction of the club.
The specification set by the architects for this project was of a very high standard and very precise. Prospec was thrilled to be given the opportunity to work on such a fascinating and important project and rose to the challenge of meeting such a specification.
Joly and Rizzo wanted both Cabrillant 600 shower cubicles and Marathon lockers but insisted that our products complemented the minimalist decorative design whilst harmonizing with the stunning original architectural features of this magnificent building right in the heart of Paris. We were given the themes of stone, polished concrete, wood, leather and rich colour to work with.
In the men’s area we used Marathon lockers with black coloured glass doors which gave a chic and high quality finish to the lockers. The Cabrillant 600 glass showers had a black tint added to the translucent ceramic paint to continue the theme throughout the area.
In the Ladies area we used an off white colour to both the Marathon lockers and the Cabrillant 600 shower cubicles, which meant that all the finishes and details would be complemented by the clubs stylish coloured lighting effects.
For the reception area, we supplied a bank of Marathon lockers with a mixture of sepia brown, traffic red and oyster white coloured glass locker doors which created an amazing effect contrasting against the exposed brick background.
A French health & fitness forum has reviewed the club as being “the perfect balance of sport, comfort and elitism attracting some of the worlds most well know stars including John Galliano; Patrick Joly and Patrick Rizzo have without a doubt excelled themselves on this amazing club ” . Clients can enjoy the gym with a variety of cardiovascular, shaping and toning machinery, with personalised training to hand on the high tech equipment. Group exercise courses are also available with aerobics to pilates.
Patrick Rizzo says “Both Patrick Joly and myself are totally overwhelmed by the finished project. We have managed to provide our clients with a chic and sporty atmosphere in a mid-premium club and would like to thank all of our suppliers and contractors for their contribution to this great success story”
The total investment of €2 million has certainly been worth it and Prospec is proud to have been involved in such a prestigious club in the centre of one of the world’s most beautiful cities.