A 22-year-old architecture graduate from Bordeaux has developed an innovative solution to protect the historic oyster-farming villages of Cap Ferret from rising sea levels and marine flooding. Manon Drouillard completed her thesis project at ENSAP Bordeaux with a detailed proposal to elevate the village of l'Herbe, one of the region's most iconic coastal settlements threatened by climate change.
Drouillard created a detailed scale model showcasing her vision for the village's future. The model displays all 160 traditional cabins of l'Herbe mounted on stilts, offering a practical response to the ongoing challenges of rising waters and marine submersion affecting the Cap Ferret Peninsula. The project represents a comprehensive approach to preserving cultural heritage while adapting to environmental challenges.
The young architect's proposal doesn't require demolishing and rebuilding the historic structures. Instead, her technique involves installing hydraulic jacks underneath each cabin and then securing them permanently on stilts. This method has already been successfully implemented in coastal areas across the United States and several Asian countries, proving its effectiveness in similar environmental conditions.
"I wanted to choose a location that was actually affected by rising waters and would be meaningful," Drouillard explained. "We're often stuck in theory, but we also need to move to practical solutions. In the United States, there are plenty of companies doing this. It allows you to preserve the existing habitat. It's much less expensive than demolition and reconstruction."
The innovative model of l'Herbe village with its elevated cabins on stilts is currently on display at the Bordeaux Architect's House, located at 308 Avenue Thiers. The exhibition showcases the technical details and feasibility of the proposal, demonstrating how traditional architecture can be preserved while adapting to modern climate challenges.
The village of l'Herbe serves as a postcard image of the Arcachon Basin, making it a significant cultural and tourism landmark. The project highlights the urgent need for practical solutions to protect France's coastal heritage from the increasing threats posed by climate change and rising sea levels.
