Par Rachel Barrett-Trangmar
One of the oldest carpentry enterprises on the island, Lurin Menuiserie’s diligent team share the wonders of working with wood, enhancing it to satisfy and surpass their clients’ expectations.
What led you to specialise in carpentry?
In the beginning, thirty years ago to be precise, Lurin Menuiserie was the idea of two friends, Michel Ganne and Jacques Gréaux, who worked together for another carpentry enterprise. They shared a natural passion for their work, which prompted them to create their own business. Gradually over time the success of their trade made it necessary to employ more people, particularly carpenters.
Who are the members of the Lurin Menuiserie team?
Michel and Jacques head up the business, which involves client orders, invoices, and drawing up the plans for carpentry projects. Whereas Valérie, Jacques’ wife, looks after secretarial matters including accounts. Dylan Gréaux, son of Valérie and Jacques, specialises in 3D plans and is always on the lookout for new developments – whilst being trained to eventually take the reins of the business. There is a team of seven carpenters in the workshop, and a further two who install the finished items in the client’s home.
What do you create?
We mostly design and furnish the interiors of residential houses and rental villas. This includes kitchens, dressing rooms, bathrooms and bedrooms, in addition to windows, shutters and doors.
We spend time formulating our creative ideas, discussing and designing the project … all the while listening to our clients and visiting the site where the carpentry will be installed. We strive to be as flexible as possible to ensure that we meet the client’s needs and expectations.
What else do Lurin Menuiserie offer that is different to other carpentry enterprises?
In addition to carpentry, we offer a service for sharpening blades and knives for carpenters and restaurant chefs. We also offer customised stainless steel outdoor kitchens, which have become increasingly popular.
Who are your main clients?
We prioritise projects for local clientele, be it renovations or new constructions. We also work in collaboration with architects and designers for overseas clients who have properties here on the island. We would particularly like to thank: Christian Fahrner-Le Saux, Lotus Architects, Malin Kirscher, and Pécard Architects.
What message would you like to share with the readers of Coccoloba?
We would like Coccoloba readers to know that carpentry is not just a profession, it is a creative passion reflected in every piece we make. Each project is an opportunity to create something uniquely beautiful and sustainable, using artisanal techniques and quality materials. We are proud to contribute to the embellishment of St Barts by creating living and working spaces that embody craftsmanship and traditional know-how.
