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.

 

Partner brands :

Micro terrazzo and terrazzo: Var Ponçage
Tiles: Carré Créatif
Sanitary equipment: Richardson / Trone
Brazilian quartzite worktops: Granit & Marbre Gambini
Woodwork: Rabot
Furniture and artwork: Axel Chay / Relax Factory / Pièce a part / Francois Bazin / Architectureceramique / Archik
Paint: Ressource Peintures
Bed linen: La Serviette Paris
Handles: Frederic Pellenq
Travertine: Talka

Original plans & project

Modernist architecture immersed in nature, close to sea and hills

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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En complément de la maison principale, deux dépendances de forme cubique aux toitures plates complètent l’ensemble, implantées en juxtaposition sur le terrain, articulées autour de patios le tout entouré de végétation luxuriante aux allures japonisantes.

La première avec son angle entièrement vitré héberge un bureau / chambre d’amis avec une salle d’eau privative, reliée à la maison principale par un chemin surmonté d’une pergola.

Toujours dans les mêmes codes seventies, la seconde en fond de parcelle s’articule en L autour d’un patio planté d’un érable du Japon. Elle comprend une buanderie lumineuse et une suite permettant d’installer un bureau ou une deuxième chambre d’amis.

En complément de l’architecture d’origine, cet espace aux mêmes codes à été sublimé par un ensemble de parois menuisés en contre-plaqué lasuré qui masque des linéaires de rangements ainsi que la salle d’eau, tout en ajoutant un coté chaleureux.

Patrick Maxwell

Architecte bordelais actif dès la fin des années 60, Patrick Maxwell s’inscrit dans la lignée du mouvement moderniste régional, marqué par une approche sobre, fonctionnelle et profondément ancrée dans le contexte local. Son travail explore la réinterprétation des formes urbaines bordelaises, notamment l’échoppe, qu’il revisite dans un langage architectural épuré et contemporain.

Ses réalisations se distinguent par l’emploi de matériaux bruts – béton poncé, enduits blancs, menuiseries bois – et une recherche de lumière naturelle à travers de larges ouvertures et des jeux de transparence. L’articulation entre intérieur et extérieur est axe important de son travail : patios, jardins intégrés et circulations fluides traduisent une conception où la nature prolonge l’espace habité.

Sans ostentation, l’architecture de Patrick Maxwell exprime une rigueur géométrique, une clarté des volumes et une simplicité maîtrisée, témoignant d’un modernisme humaniste et parfaitement adapté à l’art de vivre bordelais.