Placed on a precipice, 30 meters above the Mediterranean Sea, 2 white architectural sails with sharp masts like spears, watch over the deep blue sea.
Project. This exclusive villa in the south of France appears to virtually disappear into the endless blue of the
Mediterranean. Being outside and enjoying a Mediterranean lifestyle while protected from the sun and wind
was what the client stipulated. Around 30 meters above the sea, two awnings brave the marine climate, securely attached to two lance-shaped masts by spring hooks from a ship’s supplier.
Concept/Design. The top design priority was to provide protection from sun and heat for the sizeable outdoor area. The upper awning is made from robust heavy duty PTFE-Fabric, which is able to withstand the fall winds and coastal spray typical of the region without absorbing any moisture. It is permanently UV
resistant, color fast, and weather proof. The lower awning is made from a lightweight PTFE fabric, and thanks to its special coating flters out UV rays and prevents heat from penetrating beneath.
Construction. The architect describes the interaction of the two selected Sefar fabric awnings as similar to two ballet dancers in constant, gentle contact. The ingenious construction and combination of different layers holds heat between the two awnings creating a chimney effect which is distinctly cooling: Warmth simply rises upwards.
In fact, the lower and upper awnings only touch at the very ends where the spring hooks are fastened, and the
sails are anchored to the rugged rock.
Even the existing trees are skilfully integrated into the design so they form a naturally growing part of the airy
sun roof. The specialfabric is specially tailored in a crescent shape and built around the gnarled trees while the
lance-like masts, which seem to pierce the fabric at the top, appear as almost organic elements within the sweeping lines of the sails.
The Nomad Concept is a Belgium-based studio practice focused on tensile and lightweight architecture. From our inception in 2000, we have delivered exceptional private, corporate and public projects.
As a full-service firm, The Nomad Concept is present on projects from start to finish, ensuring that the ideas conceived in the beginning with clients are manifest at the end. .
