Sustainable Sailing Club Club Nautique Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
A Sustainable Vision for the French Riviera
Situated along the celebrated coastline of the French Riviera, Club Nautique Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat represents Morph Design Studio's commitment to responsible and forward-thinking architectural design. This international competition entry reimagines a historic sailing club as a sustainable community hub. Acting as architects and project coordinators, we proposed a facility that merges performance, craftsmanship and environmental awareness. The concept introduces a rooftop restaurant and bar that overlook the harbour, providing a flexible venue for regattas, exhibitions and social gatherings while framing panoramic sea views.
Designing for People and Place
The design builds upon the existing maritime heritage of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat while responding to the needs of the club's growing membership. Our architects focused on adaptability, ensuring spaces transition easily from daily use to large events. The new public terrace, dining deck and viewing platforms offer continuous connections to the waterfront. Acting as planning approval architects, we ensured the design respected the local planning and environmental frameworks unique to coastal France. The proposal captures the essence of the Riviera lifestyle, open, social and deeply connected to the sea.
Functional Elegance and Innovation
A defining feature of the proposal is the all-weather boat hall and sail storage area, capable of accommodating up to twenty vessels. Acting as technical architects, we developed a plan that optimises ventilation, daylight and workflow efficiency. The hanging sails, visible through the façades, create a sculptural composition that celebrates the club's sailing identity. These visual elements transform the building into both a working facility and a cultural landmark visible from the nearby beach.
Renewable Materials and Environmental Design
Sustainability guided every design decision. Sliding screens and canopies were specified using recycled seagrass collected from local beaches, turning a regional waste product into a valuable building material. This innovative use of seagrass demonstrates Morph Design Studio's focus on ecological responsibility, reducing waste and supporting the local circular economy. As architects with experience in sustainable architectural design, we sought to create a building that not only operates efficiently but also educates members and visitors on the importance of environmental stewardship along the Mediterranean coast.
Preserving Legacy Through Adaptive Reuse
A key objective was to minimise demolition and celebrate the site's history. Retaining seventy-three per cent of the existing structure reduced embodied carbon and honoured the building's original form. Acting as building project managers, we proposed targeted interventions that modernise without erasing heritage. Externally, a new mural by local artists pays tribute to Jean Cocteau, reinforcing the cultural connection between art and architecture within Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
A Model for Sustainable Coastal Architecture
The Sustainable Sailing Club at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat embodies Morph Design Studio's dedication to uniting innovation, craftsmanship and sustainability. Through renewable materials, adaptive reuse and thoughtful architectural design, the project demonstrates how coastal buildings can serve both community and environment. As architects working internationally, our aim is to design spaces that reflect local identity while setting new standards for sustainable development along the French Riviera.
