CÉRULÉUM

Completed in 1956, the Villa Grille-Pain is a true masterpiece of eccentricity.
Housing two apartments, a white concrete rectangular volume cantilevers over the ground floor, which is clad in limestone. The inimitable stairwell, projecting from the west facade, gave the villa its name. It consists of six cerulean-blue concrete curves separated by an assembly of glass bricks arranged like slits.
Opposite the villa, set back from the east facade, an equally spectacular outdoor staircase echoes it: helical, without risers, and topped by a circular concrete canopy in the same cerulean hue.
The design of the south facade, punctuated by large windows and trellises, offers a glimpse into the layout of the apartment's living area: its 42 m² are arranged on either side of a sculptural, conical white concrete and brick fireplace--suspended and open on all sides.
On one side, the living room faces a large, offset picture window designed to take advantage of the ocean view; on the other, the dining room benefits from a constant play of light provided by a wide lattice window, the upper row of which connects to the living room's picture window.
The room extends onto a terrace sheltered by a sloped awning that runs all the way to the spiral staircase. It also opens onto the kitchen adjacent to the living room; an opening has been created between the two spaces, allowing light to flow through and creating new perspectives. The light oak of the custom-made room divider is echoed on the cabinet fronts of the contemporary kitchen. The porcelain stoneware floors have been preserved and restored, with their trim forming rug-like patterns and checkerboard designs.