Archinect - News 2024-11-23T06:51:17-05:00 https://archinect.com/news/article/150173646/christophe-benichou-designs-extreme-balconies-for-extreme-climbers Christophe Benichou designs extreme balconies for extreme climbers Sean Joyner 2019-12-06T18:12:00-05:00 >2024-10-25T04:07:38-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/e3/e317857e65042b98886c0de67b1d4853.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>The Verdon Gorge is one of the most popular climbing destinations in France. As climbers ascend the limestone cliff walls of the canyon they are able to look down upon the Verdon River that shoots through the void. With over 1,000 feet to scale, climbers are likely to want a place to rest and regroup along the way. That's where Christophe Benichou Architectures comes in.&nbsp;</p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/96/96d8b36022374778d36c1030c528efd3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/96/96d8b36022374778d36c1030c528efd3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Verdon Balconies. All renderings via Christophe Benichou Architectures</figcaption></figure><p>Called <em><a href="http://christophebenichou.com/portfolio-item/verdon-balconies/?lang=en" target="_blank">Verdon Balconies</a>,</em> the group has conceived a theoretical resting space for climbers of the gorge. "At the heart of this vertical universe, suspended platforms offer a welcome horizontal rest.&nbsp;They can welcome climbers for a simple break or for the night, basically sheltered from the wind and the falls of stone," the studio writes about the project. The structures are entirely metallic, offering a light minimalist product for the fatigued seeking refuge.&nbsp;</p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/f4/f4b46a776f2e88c625e9dfd2a789259f.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/f4/f4b46a776f2e88c625e9dfd2a789259f.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p></figure><p><br></p>