Lou Cabanoun, 2023

Designed for the Design Parade Toulon 2023, Lou Cabanoun is a sculptural installation co-created with architect Emily Chakhtakhtinsky. Lou Cabanoun won the Mobilier National Prize.

Hidden in the back of the garden, beyond the wild grass and prickly pears, Lou Cabanoun gathers bees and humans in a « place of refuge ». This room questions the Mediterranean territory's livability in regards to the climate change crisis. Formally inspired by the Apiés Provençaux, Lou Cabanoun pays tribute to the Apis Mellifera Mellifera – a Provençal black bee – by borrowing elements from the beekeeping universe. This sanctuary is an interpretation of a specific group of vernacular constructions : drystone huts. Within this refuge, different parts of the Mediterranean ecosystem are enhanced and sacralised. This room tells us about the care and attention we pay to the cycles of life by highlighting universal codes of protection. Lou Cabanoun is a global ecosystem, actively working on showcasing ancestral techniques and know-how.

Photographs © Jeremy Mouraud & Marisol Santana

La Voilette is inspired by beekeepers’ veils. In Lou Cabanoun, it becomes a domestic object. Made of linen gauze from AELC and naturally dyed, it is hand-painted by artist Cloé Sonnet using beeswax as paint.

Les Moucherolles are flying lights, made of blown glass at the Verrerie de Biot, they are inspired by wasp and hornet traps.




Les Bezanos are scuptural hives. Conceived as conservation hives, their shapes are inspired by natural swarming. They were created by the artist and basket-maker Marie Drouet using gleaned vegetal fibers. Some glazed ceramic inserts are joined within the fibers, realised by Liv Brandberg. 



L’Enfumadou is a hybrid object, between sacred fireplace and bee smoker. It was conceived to emit healing odors. This spiritual object is made of a ceramic double bassin. In collaboration with the artist Corinne Aivazian, l’Enfumadou is made using ancestral Armenian techniques. 
Le Bouquet d’Abeilles is one of the central pieces of Lou Cabanoun. Created in collaboration with Maison Alivon Éditions, Le Bouquet d’Abeilles is entirely made of bronze. It is a unique piece made to amaze dreamers.




Les Flamberges are golden touches in the earth produced in collaboration with Eska in Paris. Made of beeswax, these sculptural candles are inspired by the shapes of three honey plants : lavender, calendula and periwinkle.