Le Lac villa, also known locally as Villa Le Lac, is a hidden gem on the northern shore of Lake Geneva in the quaint village of Corseaux, Switzerland. This architectural marvel, designed by the renowned architect Le Corbusier along with his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, stands as a testament to early modernist design and the innovative spirit of the 1920s. Built between 1923 and 1924, the villa was originally intended as a home for Le Corbusier's parents, a fact that imbues it with a sense of personal history and emotional resonance.
The story of Le Lac villa begins with Le Corbusier's desire to create a serene and functional living space for his aging parents. His father, Georges-Édouard Jeanneret, lived in the house for just a year before his passing in 1926, while his mother, Marie-Charlotte-Amélie Jeanneret, resided there until she reached the remarkable age of 101. After her death, the house was occupied by Le Corbusier's brother, the musician Albert Jeanneret, from 1960 to 1973. Today, the villa is owned by the Fondation Le Corbusier and is protected as a historical monument.
Le Corbusier referred to the villa as a small house (Une petite maison), a fitting description for this compact yet ingeniously designed structure. The villa measures just sixteen meters in length and four meters in width, with a total floor area of 60 square meters. Despite its modest size, the villa is a masterclass in efficient space utilization and minimalist design. Le Corbusier's concept of the machine for living is evident in the villa's layout, which is meticulously planned to accommodate the daily activities of its inhabitants with minimal wasted space.
The villa is oriented towards the south, offering breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding Alps. The single-story structure features a flat roof that serves as a terrace, accessible via an external staircase on the north side. This rooftop garden, complete with a railing reminiscent of a ship's deck, provides a tranquil outdoor space for relaxation and contemplation. The villa's design also includes an east-facing skylight in the guest room, allowing the morning sun to gently illuminate the space.
The villa is set within a narrow plot of land measuring 300 square meters, just four meters from the lake's edge. The garden is enclosed by a two-meter-high wall on the north, east, and west sides, creating a secluded, cloister-like atmosphere. This design choice was intentional, as Le Corbusier believed that the overwhelming beauty of the surrounding landscape could be exhausting if experienced continuously. A rectangular cutout in the southern wall frames a picturesque view of the lake, providing a focal point for the garden.
The garden itself is a green oasis, with carefully curated plantings that enhance the sense of tranquility and seclusion. The northern corner of the garden includes a small courtyard, partially covered by an upper-level storage room where the rooftop furniture is kept. The western boundary wall is two stories high, matching the height of the storage room and providing additional privacy from the road.
Le Lac villa is constructed from hollow cement and sand blocks, which are plastered white on both the interior and exterior surfaces. The foundations and structural elements, including the basement walls, floor slab, and flat roof, are made of reinforced concrete. The roof is covered with a layer of soil, allowing for the creation of a rooftop garden. The villa's minimalist aesthetic is complemented by the use of metal pipes for the supports of the overhanging roofs, which have a diameter of just six centimeters.
One of the villa's most distinctive features is its long, horizontal window on the south side, which runs almost the entire length of the building. This window offers uninterrupted views of the lake and floods the interior with natural light. Inside, the villa is divided into three main sections: a living area, a bedroom, and a bathroom, with a small entrance hall on the north side. The east end of the villa includes a guest room with two stacked beds and a covered terrace, while the west end houses the entrance, kitchen, laundry room, and a space for drying and storing linens.
Despite its innovative design, Le Lac villa faced several challenges during its construction and subsequent use. The proximity to Lake Geneva meant that the villa was subject to fluctuating water levels, which caused cracks in the exterior walls and concrete slabs. To address these issues, a galvanized iron cladding was added to the exterior, giving the villa a modern, industrial appearance. Additionally, a copper expansion joint was installed to prevent further cracking in the flat roof.
In recognition of its architectural significance, Le Lac villa was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2016 as part of the collective works of Le Corbusier. This designation highlights the villa's contribution to the development of modern architecture and its enduring influence on contemporary design.
Visiting Le Lac villa is a unique opportunity to experience the genius of Le Corbusier up close. The villa's serene setting, innovative design, and rich history make it a must-see destination for architecture enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Whether you're exploring the tranquil garden, admiring the panoramic views from the rooftop terrace, or delving into the villa's fascinating history, Le Lac villa offers a glimpse into the mind of one of the 20th century's most influential architects.
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