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 : @varponcage
Tiles : @carre_creatif
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
  • SHARE

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
  • SHARE

A contemporary renovation that respects the special soul of this beautiful 110 m2 flat in the heart of the Old Port of Marseille.

Target

To give this typical Old Port flat a new lease of life by revitalising and brightening it up.

Course of action

The idea was to rebalance the volumes of the place and to redefine the living rooms. The idea was also to create a work space that could become a spare bedroom, while keeping the beautiful light provided by the four windows.

The renovation and decoration of the flat was designed in several stages, in order to trace the eclectic career of its occupants, mixing contemporary pieces and travel objects.

Achievement

Changing the volumes of the kitchen was the first thing to be done in order to remodel the living room, to integrate a lounge and a dining area. Unifying the ceiling by sanding the beams (former galley masts) allowed them to regain their original clarity and softness. The challenge was to maintain the feeling of space without losing the clarity, thanks to the glass roof and steel joinery, separating the office from the living room. All of this was achieved by maintaining a colour palette that harmonised with the clay tiles on the floor, by creating a dialogue between the furniture and by creating beautiful perspectives thanks to an XXL mirror with generous curves.

In the night space, a parental suite has been designed, full of softness and fantasy. The bathroom of the suite was entirely made to measure, with gold marble tiles highlighted by a delicately powdered pink that is accentuated by the copper tapware. The choice of a thick, light-coloured carpet brings to the whole the luxury touch of the grand hotels and an unparalleled voluptuousness.

A warm and delicate glow, revealed by the beautiful light of the South.

L'ARCHITECTE NOUVELLE MAISON STUDIO

architectes@archik.fr
  • SHARE

Before …