A striking architectural transformation has breathed new life into a historic property in Marseille, France. The Jericho House project, designed by olivia fauvelle architecture and completed in 2022, demonstrates how contemporary design can harmoniously integrate with century-old structures while creating functional modern living spaces.
The property sits on a long, narrow plot that unfolds in distinct layers, beginning with a front courtyard and a main house dating from the 1900s. Behind the primary structure lies a back garden, followed by an old carriage house that leads to an enclosed tiled terrace. This unique configuration presented both challenges and opportunities for the architectural team.
Following an initial rehabilitation phase of the main house in 2019, the recent project focused specifically on the southern section of the property. The brief called for refurbishing the outbuilding to serve as a gathering space for family and friends, incorporating a play area, bedroom, and bathroom. Additionally, the design needed to establish a meaningful connection between the outbuilding and the main house while addressing the garden, which would also undergo reconfiguration as part of the comprehensive renovation.
The architectural solution centers on two seven-meter-long exposed concrete lintels that span the space to provide structural organization. These elements connect the main house to the two transverse stone walls—one belonging to the outbuilding and the other marking the southern boundary of the property. The lintels create a bold statement that emphasizes the crossing of the plot, revealing its full depth in a subtle yet powerful way.
A distinctive design feature involves glossy green tiled facades that rise beneath these concrete elements. The tiles create striking reflections of the surrounding vegetation and swimming pool, effectively extending the sense of greenery beyond the built facade. This reflective quality adds visual depth to the garden while maintaining a connection between interior and exterior spaces. The architects describe their intervention as both tangible and soundless—making a clear architectural statement while respecting the existing character of the property.
Working within height constraints imposed by local urban planning regulations, the project creates a journey through the property. From the main house, visitors descend to access a new corridor that runs alongside the garden, offering carefully framed views of the surrounding vegetation as they move toward the outbuilding. This transitional space serves as both circulation and viewing gallery.
Access to the refurbished outbuilding is provided by a five-step wooden staircase. The renovation carefully preserved the building's historic elements, including a refurbished stone wall and sanded timber framework that maintain the structure's original character. A curved curtain runs underneath the stairs, concealing practical elements such as a desk, technical equipment, and storage while guiding movement toward the pool and garden areas.
The design incorporates thoughtful details that enhance both function and aesthetics. A concrete stage conceals the rough lower portion of the existing stone wall, creating a threshold that doubles as a playful platform for various uses. During summer months, the trumpet flowers of the bignonia vine fill the garden space with color and fragrance, completing the integration of architecture and landscape.
Photography by Maxime Verret captures the successful marriage of old and new elements, showcasing how the 70-square-meter renovation respects the property's layered history while meeting contemporary needs. The project demonstrates that sensitive architectural intervention can enhance rather than overwhelm historic properties, creating spaces that serve modern lifestyles while honoring their past.
