mirroring pillowed walls filled with reed grass compose sensory installation in montpellier

"The installation is composed of two opposing walls placed within the courtyard of the Hôtel des Trésoriers de la Bourse. Each wall presents two contrasting sides, interpreting both the external street-facing facade and the internal courtyard facade. This duality parallels the relationship between plate and food in contemporary haute cuisine, where the support and the content form a unified composition. The exterior faces form a minimal, monochrome envelope, while the interior faces carry the textural and sensory expression."

"It is deployed in distinct configurations to articulate the contrast between exterior and interior. A regular grid of thatch-filled pillows establishes a controlled facade, punctuated by circular openings that offer partial views toward the interior and encourage interaction. Stacked sheaves of thatch introduce varied textures and colors. Natural dyes, such as coffee grounds, turmeric, and root-based pigments, add chromatic shifts and subtle olfactory qualities that extend into the surrounding street."

"Chaume Sublimé is an ephemeral installation by COAT - conditions atmosphériques d'espaces, created for the Festival des Architectures Vives 2025 in Montpellier, . The project investigates the spatial and sensory potential of reed grass, using the material to form an atmosphere-driven architectural intervention that examines craftsmanship, sustainability, and the transformation of everyday resources. Reed grass forms the primary material. It is deployed in distinct configurations to articulate the contrast between exterior and interior."

Chaume Sublimé uses reed grass to create an ephemeral, atmosphere-driven architectural intervention within the courtyard of the Hôtel des Trésoriers de la Bourse. Two opposing walls present exterior monochrome faces and interior textured, sensory faces, defining an intermediate exploration zone for visitors. The exterior surfaces use a regular grid of thatch-filled pillows with circular openings for partial views and interaction. Inner surfaces feature stacked sheaves, varied textures, and chromatic shifts achieved with natural dyes such as coffee, turmeric, and root-based pigments. Lightweight bundles respond to air movement and passage, releasing subtle olfactory qualities into the street. Recognizable courtyard elements are incorporated to connect site and installation.

Read at designboom | architecture & design magazine