LA FROMATHEQUE Cheese Shop: A Design Born from Passion
HOXAR STUDIO designed La Fromathèque for la Fromagerie de Martigny, the largest cheese producer in Martigny. The significant challenge lay in extending the existing shop’s identity without compromising its integrity.
Every detail, down to the selection of each metallic plate, is a testament to the passion and dedication invested in this extraordinary project. La Fromathèque isn’t just a cheese shop; it’s a culinary sanctuary where hospitality, gastronomy materials and design unite, promising an unforgettable experience for every visitor.
Amidst the captivating landscapes of Matigny, at the gateway to Valais and on the way to Verbier and the San Bernard Pass, HOXAR STUDIO takes the art of cheese, raclette, and wine to a new level. La Fromathèque, a unique project in its own right, perfectly exemplifies our attentive and unconventional approach.
La Fromatheque is the logical blend of a cheese shop, a raclette (Swiss melted cheese) restaurant, and a wine bar. Every element of this space, every curve and line, is meticulously crafted to create a symphony of flavors and sensations for its guests.
At the heart of this masterpiece lies the use of raw metal plates, meticulously treated to achieve a smooth, almost silky finish. The metal’s unique treatment confers a surprising warmth and softness when touched.
A deep, dark massif oak parquet adorns the floor, while the ceiling’s darkness directs focus towards the star of the show: the delectable products on display. The concrete walls offer a stark yet fitting contrast, with sparing use of natural wood to maintain a sleek, modern look
La Fromathèque showcases monochrome metallic grey shades. Against this backdrop, golden-hued cheeses glisten, beckoning guests to indulge in their taste.
What sets LA FROMATHEQUE apart is its commitment to generosity and guiding guests on a culinary journey. Upon entry, a bespoke mural, showcasing antique cheese, welcomes patrons with a grand gesture.
Guests can choose to explore the restaurant bar or the cheese shop.
The Restaurant: Swiss Alps and the classical stammtisch
The restaurant boasts an open design with expansive windows that frame views of the Swiss Alps, immersing guests in the natural beauty of the surroundings. High tables offer the perfect vantage point to enjoy a petite arvine, a Swiss wine. A one-piece metal massif table, the Stammtisch, capable of seating up to 14, stands at the heart of the restaurant. The U-shaped metallic bench faces the raclette counter, where the bartender skilfully melts cheese on a 5-meter metal and inox counter. Throughout, small metallic tables converse with original Toolix furniture.
The Cheese Shop: Corridors of Delights
The cheese shop welcomes guests with a generous corridor flanked by 8-meter transparent maturation chambers for cheese and dried meats on the right and an endless cheese counter on the left, offering a dazzling array of golden variations. The wall facing the shop’s entrance proudly displays a mural featuring 5 kg half cheeses, ready to be transformed into raclette.
As you delve deeper into the shop, the space expands to reveal more cheese counters and infinite shelves adorned with local wines and regional delicacies.
Furniture and Fixtures: Crafted for Comfort and Elegance
Tables are carefully designed to measure, crafted from 5mm raw plates with rounded edges that contrast the metal’s hardness. At the heart of the space lies a magnificent Stammtisch table, artfully designed from a single selected metallic plate.
The U-shaped bench is crafted from three single, curved metal sheets, it ensures utmost comfort and invites guests to linger. Original Toolix chairs complement the tables, while a 5-meter raclette counter serves as a testament to artistry, boasting the same unique material with an inox top.
All fridges are custom-made and seamlessly wrapped in raw metal, with discreetly matching doors. An elegant contrast emerges as super-thin metallic shelves proudly hold a wealth of gourmet goods. Special display shelving, crafted in similar metal, features a structure made of crosses for an almost invisible design.
Elegant metallic cylinders, crowned with marble tops, were inspired by the classical wine barrels. All working areas feature hand-brushed inox, ensuring the most efficient operation, and point-of-sale furniture incorporates retractable tops for customers’ convenience.
Location and Design Philosophy: A Tale of Generosity
La Fromathèque resides in Matigny, strategically located to serve as a gateway to Valais’s enchanting landscapes. It embraces a design philosophy of generous spaces and homogeneous architecture, allowing the cheese and gourmet goods to take center stage.
The layout has been meticulously designed to ensure customers have a visual feast of all that’s on offer, stimulating their desire to fill their baskets.
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