Reviving history: The transformation of the Belfry of the Dives-sur-mer Cultural Centre

There is a nostalgia and charm that old buildings carry. Seeped with history, they become living blocks of storytelling. When maintained and refurbished instead of being torn down, they embody the spirit of the past while contributing to the fabric of our present society. Their preservation and refurbishment play a vital role in shaping a better future.

The rehabilitation and extension of the Belfry of Dives-sur-mer Cultural Centre in Dives-sur-Mer, Calvados, France, by ACAU Architectes, perfectly exemplifies the importance of refurbishing existing structures. The Rouen-based architects took a registered historical monument and turned it into an inter-communal music school and a puppetry theatre, all the while, preserving the building's architectural heritage. By restoring and extending the belfry, or bell tower, through thoughtful intervention, ACAU Architectes successfully created a contemporary space that respects the site's history and engages the community.

Built in 1892, the belfry served as a symbol of the city's industrial heritage and held great historical significance for the inhabitants of Dives-sur-Mer. Recognising its cultural value, ACAU Architectes collaborated closely with the Architect of the Buildings of France and the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs to ensure the restoration and reconstruction of the belfry's facades aligned with historical research and preservation principles. The project included the restoration of plasters, bricks, and clocks, as well as the treatment of flint joints. These meticulous efforts shaped the building into a space fit for modern use without compromising on its original aesthetics and architectural elements.

To accommodate the program's requirements without altering the exceptional heritage of the belfry, the architects undertook a comprehensive rehabilitation process. The outdated structures were rebuilt not just to meet aesthetic thresholds, but also to entertain modern technical and acoustic standards. All floors were reconstructed, and a new contemporary slab was cast using row timber planks, creating a visually striking feature visible from all parts of the ground floor. This intervention seamlessly integrates the building into a new era while preserving its historical character. The intercommunal music school now occupies the entirety of the restored belfry, creating a harmonious blend of past and present.

The extension to the belfry, designed as a national puppetry theatre and workshop, showcases a contemporary brick structure that complements the existing building, without imitating it. By utilising soft and uniform bricks to create sharp joints and volumetry, the architects successfully highlight the intricate mouldings and materiality of the belfry. The extension takes advantage of the site's slope. The architects maximised the height within the auditorium, creating a captivating space for the puppetry theatre. This positioning also allows for intriguing perspectives of the existing building from the street, inviting passers-by to appreciate the architectural heritage of the belfry.

This puppet-making workshop is strategically positioned to face the public space and the marina, inviting both adults and children to discover the art of puppetry. With its generous openness to the east, the workshop acts as a large setting, enticing passers-by to observe and engage with the craft before witnessing its magical performances at the theatre.

The fourth facade, situated between the historical and the new buildings, exhibits anodised materiality that fades away, reflecting the site's history and respecting the heritage. A symbolic glazed corridor seamlessly connects the historical refurbished section with the modern extension, offering public access from the entrance hall to the theatre. This passage is a literal and allegorical transition between the historical significance of the belfry facade and the contemporary nature of the new facilities. Additionally, the puppet-making workshop opens generously to the public space, allowing passers-by to engage with the art of puppetry.

In addition to being respectful of its heritage, the design is also compassionate towards the environment. The architects engaged in a High Environmental Quality (HQE) approach to rehabilitate the existing building. The use of bio-based wood finishing materials in the equipment, including joinery, partitions, and furniture, contributed to an ecologically sensitive and engaging atmosphere. By incorporating sustainable materials, the project aligns with contemporary environmental standards and encourages a responsible and conscious approach to design.

Through the careful rehabilitation and extension of the Belfry of Dives-sur-mer Cultural Centre, ACAU Architectes have successfully revitalised a historic monument while turning it into a modern facility. By conserving architectural treasures such as the belfry, we preserve our cultural heritage, providing a tangible link to our history and identity. Reuse, rehabilitation, and adaptation of old buildings also contribute to a more sustainable developmental future by reducing the environmental impact of new construction. Beyond the environmental impact, it also fosters creativity and innovation within communities. It creates unique spaces of visual and cultural interest, thus constantly breathing new life into our urban fabrics.

Project Details

Name: Rehabilitation and extension of the Belfry of Dives-sur-mer
Location: Dives-sur-mer Calvados, France
Year of completion: 2023
Design Firm: ACAU Architectes