Type architecture: Modern

Remarkable architecture from the 1960s, this Californian villa is at the heart of a modernist project that has been awarded the “Patrimoine du XXème” label, on its 800 m2 plot in a wooded park at the gateway to the Calanques. A project with character designed by the Marion Bernard architectural firm.

Before …

Target

Preserve the soul of this single-storey Californian villa, while renovating and enlarging it to adapt it to contemporary uses. Enhance its emblematic architecture and strengthen its link with the surrounding countryside.

Course of action

The renovation was carried out with a view to preserving the original architectural features, while adding modernity and comfort. The Fontvieille stone and hollow brick facade, sliding wooden shutters and low stone walls were carefully restored. Inside, the horizontal fireplace in brick and Cassis stone and the large terrazzo floor have been restored to their former glory.

Achievement

On the south side, the sleeping quarters are distributed on either side of the entrance hall by a corridor punctuated by typical 60s storage units.

To the north-west, the living areas are arranged in a row along the terraces, one of which is extended by a swimming pool in the shade of tall umbrella pines. Each extension of the house has been designed as a continuity towards the outside, with terraces allowing you to take full advantage of the surrounding nature. The living room, dining room and kitchen all open out onto the landscape, allowing for total immersion in the natural environment.

 

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Sanitary equipment : @richardson.officiel @trone_paris
Brazilian Quartzite worktop : @marbreriegambini_mattout
Woodwork: Rabot
Furniture and artwork : @axel_chay @relax_factory @piece.a.part @francois_bazin_studio @architectureceramique @archik
Painting : @ressource_peintures
Bed linen : @laservietteparis
Handles: @fredericpellenq
Travertine : @talka_decor

Original plans & project

Modernist architecture immersed in nature, close to sea and hills

LE QUARTIER

Private: Pointe-Rouge

At the gates of the Calanques, between Vieille Chapelle and Montredon.

L'ARCHITECTE LA LÉZARDIÈRE

  • Crédits photosJulie Fleutot
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Transforming a commercial space, using light, space and raw materials in a way that respects the existing building.

Before …

Target

Convert a commercial space on the first floor of a 1980s building into living space, while revealing the qualities of the existing building.

Course of action

The building’s orientation (East-West), its relationship to the exterior (garden and street) and its structure (reinforced concrete) were the three characteristics that guided the design process.

The plan expresses this orientation, allowing the building to “follow the sun” throughout the day, and thus to have a living space that changes atmosphere according to the light. The existing reinforced concrete structure organizes the apartment and creates sequences. It is also the starting point for the materiality. The brutality of concrete contrasts with the warmth of oak and the preciousness of stainless steel. The painted oak floor is deliberately neutral and light, like a backdrop for the furniture. Framing is used to reveal, give depth, set the scene or escape. They create transversal relationships between the reception and service areas.

Achievement

To make the transition from commercial to residential use, the street entrance was modified to create a new relationship with the street, and to distance the building from it by opening onto the garden.

A new street façade was created, and the first floor was turned into a living space by “inhabiting” the windows: in the kitchen in the living area and the dressing room in the bedroom.

On the garden side, a generous bench was created to encourage contemplation.

The building presented a number of technical constraints, notably the presence of water and air drainage systems. Meticulous work had to be carried out on site on the false ceilings to keep the volumes uncluttered and make them a strength of the project.

Original plans & project

An ambience combining raw elegance and luminous warmth.

L'ARCHITECTE Louis EISENLHOR

architectes@archik.fr
  • Crédits photosPhilippe Billard
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Côté nuit, trois chambres se partagent une salle d’eau contemporaine, et de nombreux rangements intégrés.
Une buanderie et une cave complètent ce bien.
Un appartement intégré dans un complexe architectural et perché dans le ciel marseillais.

Mario Fabre

Mario Fabre était un architecte français formé à l’École Régionale d’Architecture de Marseille, diplômé en 1960. Il a collaboré avec Bernard Laville à partir de 1963, réalisant plusieurs projets immobiliers de prestige pour le promoteur Georges Laville, dont la résidence Château Sec. Fabre a toujours mis l’accent sur la qualité des espaces, le confort des usagers et l’attention au contexte, même dans des projets de grande envergure. Il est décédé en 2024, laissant un héritage architectural notable.

Bernard Laville

Fils de Georges Laville, promoteur-constructeur influent à Marseille, Bernard Laville a suivi sa formation à l’École Régionale d’Architecture de Marseille dans les années 1950. Il a obtenu son diplôme en 1961 et a travaillé dans diverses agences avant de s’associer avec Mario Fabre en 1963. Ensemble, ils ont conçu plusieurs opérations immobilières de prestige, dont la résidence Château Sec. Après la dissolution de leur association en 1969, Bernard Laville a poursuivi sa carrière en réalisant des projets tels que le parc Berger et le Grand Pavois.