A House Governed by Its Materials

Set on a thousand square meter enclosed and planted plot, this Marseille house rises over three levels, its upper floor glazing looking out toward a garden planted with palm trees. Its plan has been redrawn in a contemporary vocabulary: the living and dining rooms occupy the entrance level, extended by a terrace that benefits from a southwest exposure without ever overheating the house.

Inside, the circulation spaces speak of an intelligence of materials rather than an inventory of surfaces. Veined marble dresses the full height landings, the sculpted brown wood staircase carves the double height as a gesture rather than a mere passage, and the polished pale stone holds the light on the floor without ever scattering it. Across one hundred forty five square meters spread over five rooms, including three bedrooms and a suite with dressing room, each level keeps its own breathing room. The salt water pool, extended by a natural stone deck, completes the garden as a space as lived in as the interior.