Villa La Pacifique

English translation

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History

Still insufficiently recognized, Pierre Barbe (1900-2004) is nonetheless a major architect of the 20th century, whose work has great interest in itself and as a reference for the 21st century. A manifesto of functionalist architecture, La Pacifique is in 1928 his first villa, and one of the rare witnesses to his modernist period. From the 1930s onwards, still serving a wealthy and cultivated clientele, he embarked on a more classical practice, as evidenced by the Domaine des Treilles at Tourtour (Var), registered as a historic monument. Within the overall production of Pierre Barbe, the villa La Pacifique is an exceptional work: a villa of modest size but great refinement, in its plan as in the care taken with its interior fittings: these traits characterize the work of Pierre Barbe, throughout his career. La Pacifique has always been a holiday home. It has been relatively little occupied, and has not been subject to expenses for its "improvement". It has not only preserved the entirety of its original volumes (only one or two openings were added), but has retained the majority of its second fix and original fittings. The whole is in a rare state of authenticity.

Description

The villa is located at Sanary-sur-Mer, at the eastern exit of Bandol. Before construction, the land, overlooking the sea from afar (pointe de La Cride), was planted with olive trees. The villa is situated on the upper part, laid out as a garden, onto which the living rooms open to the south. The lower part, below a retaining wall, is planted with pine trees. The villa fits within a single low rectangular volume, with a slight setback to the south and north, where the garage is attached. On the flat roof, which is accessed by an external metal staircase, there is a summer bedroom. The structure is in reinforced concrete. Within this compact volume, the simple and subtle organization is characterized by fluid and flexible spaces thanks to retractable partitions. Inside, on each side of a vast central living room there is a bedroom equipped with a bathroom. The whole is designed with a concern for openness and flexibility of space: folding doors and retractable windows allow one to play with light and volumes. To the south, there are multiple openings, in order to take advantage of the garden. The north side is reserved for services and servants, whose circulation can be concealed if necessary by drawing the partitions.