Reviving a 1960s Villa: Atelier Archiplein's Stunning Transformation in Annecy

Atelier Archiplein Restores La Villa House

Swiss architecture studio Atelier Archiplein has successfully refurbished and extended the La Villa house in Annecy, France, rejuvenating its outdated interiors. This impressive project was necessary as the 1960s home featured single-purpose rooms that no longer suited modern living needs.

Modernizing the Space

The studio undertook a comprehensive renovation, addressing the home's three floors around an existing concrete structure and adding extensions to the front and rear. According to co-founder Marlène Leroux, the goal was to dismantle the previous spatial configuration and create a communal living area that aligns with contemporary use.

Structural Integrity and Aesthetic

The renovations required extensive structural modifications, allowing the building's raw concrete structure to become a visible feature of the interior design. The villa, covering 350 square meters, is characterized by its pitched roof and overhanging structure, finished with a rough external render that nods to mid-20th-century architecture.

Harmonious Design Elements

The design incorporates green-toned details, such as awnings and railings, throughout the space. The ground floor opens into an entrance hall leading to interconnected living areas, partially divided by load-bearing concrete structures, all unified by terrazzo flooring. Large windows provide stunning views of Annecy Lake and flood the interior with natural light.

Embracing History

Leroux emphasized that despite the significant renovations, the project maintains a connection to the villa's historical context by exploring the stylistic and chromatic elements of its original design. The newly introduced features offer a reimagined experience of the past while catering to modern needs.

Additional Features

The upper floor includes an external terrace surrounded by a green steel railing, while a basement level offers direct access to the adjacent garden. This transformation reflects a balance between preserving the villa's heritage and adapting it for contemporary living.

Photography by Aurélien Poulat.