A HISTORIC BUILDING WITH AN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT

Located in the Ambatomena quarter, literally “the place of red stones” in malagasy, in the heart of downtown Antananarivo, Fondation H’s building was constructed between 1912 and 1924 to house the Central Offices of Posts and Telegraphs, under the French colonial administration.

Typical of the architecture of that period in traditional brick and tiles of Madagascar, the building has been completely restored (2021-2023), under the aegis of the Malagasy agency Architecture Otmar Dodel and in close collaboration with local tradesmen, someof whom have rediscovered and rehabilitated old techniques for this renovation, including carpentry, woodworking, parquetry and tile-making for the roof. A large extension of 220 m² at ground level and 8 m under ceiling was also added to the rear of the building.

Fondation H is committed to a long-term approach to its environmental impact. The entire building and its Café are powered exclusively by a solar panel array installed on the roof. The building's natural air circulation was designed at the time of construction(2021-2023), in order to successfully do without air conditioning. The vast garden, entirely conceived and planted by Fondation H, features only plants and flowers endemic to Madagascar. The food and beverages served at the Café are all based on fresh, local and seasonal produce.