Perched on the hills of Nice, this villa blends harmoniously into its surroundings. A walkway encircling the entire structure delineates the distinction between levels: a lower stratum, rooted in the terrain, and an upper stratum, light and open. Positioned at the center of the plot, slightly below the roadway, the house minimizes its visual impact while gracefully adapting to the natural topography.
The carefully articulated volumes extend across the site, creating a central patio. This convivial space, the true heart of the house, informs the organization of the surrounding areas. Like a contemporary cloister, the patio provides a living space where light, vegetation, and privacy coexist in a constant dialogue.
The façade design reflects thoughtful consideration of context and function. On the north side, the façades are closed off to preserve privacy and shield the house from neighboring views. On the south side, they open generously, offering unobstructed perspectives of the Mediterranean garden and a spectacular view. A discontinuity in the structure introduces a central void, revealing a landscaped garden on the upper level and defining the main access to the house from the lower level.
Landscaping plays a vital role in the residential experience. A verdant pathway along the patio guides residents to the entrance, immersing them in lush tropical vegetation from the very first steps. This symbiosis between architecture and landscape transforms each movement into a soothing sensory experience.
The design promotes fluid and intuitive circulation between spaces. Exterior walkways with varying depths wrap around the volumes, forming generous terraces on the upper level and shaded areas below, ideal for hot seasons. These outdoor spaces are not merely functional but extend the living areas into the landscape. An integrated planter on the upper terrace reinforces this connection, echoing the verdant hills of Nice.
The materials – raw concrete, stone, and wood – convey a natural and mineral aesthetic. Their authentic, unrefined textures give the villa a discreet, almost inevitable presence within its Mediterranean setting. This architecture, through its simplicity and materiality, recedes to allow the living experience to resonate fully with its environment.
Category:Private HomesLocation:Nice, FranceArchitect: Hugo Chauwin, FranceLead Architects:Hugo ChauwinLandscape Architects:Henry Olivier NelumboDesign Team: Hugo Chauwin ArchitectureContractor:CORE ConstructionClient: Private Photographer: HCA
