Pavillon de Merl reopening; Credit: Copyright Phototheque VDL, Charles Soubry

The Pavillion in the Parc de Merl, originally opened in 1977, has reopened under new management and had been totally refurbished.

Only the timber bearing structure of the rotunda and the elements defining the south / west side terrace have been maintained. All the load-bearing and non-load-bearing elements inside the rotunda, as well as the roof above the wooden friezes, were demolished and the foundations reinforced, to guarantee the stability of the whole construction.

These transformations made it possible to free the pavilion of any infrastructure below the frame and to create a room of ample consumption, open to the pond, the park and the play area for children. The frame has also been extended to ensure sun protection of the terrace during the midday period.
 
The colours, materials and some architectural elements typical of the architecture of the 1970s have however been preserved: the wood has kept its dark brown colour and the new zinc roof has taken the dark colour of the old slate.

The new annex, with a rather simple architecture and built in solid wood, slides under the roof of the rotunda and is distinguished from it by its raw wood facade. Its architecture remains in the background in relation to the architecture of the rotunda.

The raw wood facade contrasts with the glazed facade of the pavilion and remains in relation to the surrounding nature. Also, the windows of the annex are covered by wooden slats, thus reducing their presence: the annex closes on its functions, while the rotunda opens with its large glazed surfaces to offer the customers of the restaurant a idyllic view towards the park of Merl-Belair.

The cost of the complete renovation and refurbishment project was €3.25 million