Emerging from the immaculate rocks bordering the Mediterranean Sea, Jogging Samena warms itself under the Marseille sun. A former remnant of the industrial site of Samena which later became a cottage, it’s now available as a rental and an artist’s residence. Long abandoned, what was once a modest family residence has been restored by Olivier Amsellem with the intent of preserving the various layers of time. Acquired in 2015 at the same time as Jogging – a concept store co-founded by the Marseille native – this project took more time to take shape. Five years, to be exact. “It’s about reflection and observation,” confides this child of the HLMs, who needed to appropriate cottage culture for the occasion. Weathered by the sea spray, the mistral and tanned by the sun, this building, located barely 50 metres from the crystalline Samena Cove, is the conservator of a Mediterranean past. Brought back to life with the help of “shabby” materials, most of which were already present on site (such as wood, steel and terracotta), this private address navigates between tradition and contemporaneity. To do this, the Marseille native has done away with the archaic layout of this pavilion by making the decision to divert 10 m2 of living space into the creation of two patios. A conscious choice, guided by the desire to celebrate the art of outdoor living so dear to the region where it originated. Wishing, above all, to “respect the place” for its true value, the entrepreneur was also keen on preserving the bare bones of its faded walls. This humility is reminiscent of the Italian Arte Povera and is punctuated by artists’ creations and rare antique objects that keep in mind the philosophy behind the development of these popular habitats, i.e. “bringing back what we find and what is no longer useful to the city”. A raw, sincere and inspiring return to recovery.
Jogging Samena, Boulevard de la Calanque de Samena – 13008 Marseille. Rentals from €200 per night (minimum stay two nights). Breakfast service for €25 (two people). Reservations can be made on the website www.joggingjogging.com.
Photography: Valerio Geraci – Text: Juliette Bruneau @thesocialitefamily
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