Le Cabanon de la Corbusier

There are so many fascinating things to see and do in the south of France but here’s one you may not find in the guidebooks. Nestled on the scenic shores of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Le Cabanon de la Corbusier stands as a testament to minimalist design and architectural innovation. Situated adjacent to Eileen Gray’s iconic Villa E-1027, this modest cabin exemplifies the principles of its renowned architect, Charles-Edouard Jeanneret-Gris, self named Le Corbusier.

This post is a continuation from a previous post about the E-1027, aka the Eileen Gray house which is a unique and mysterious home in the south of France, where Louis Vuitton just shot his most recent fashion campaign out of appreciation for that pioneering woman’s sense of style, this video will give you the perfect perspective for the extraordinary setting where this tale continues.

Le Corbusier, an innovative architect and artist, shared Eileen Gray’s passion for design simplicity and efficiency. Soon after Eileen Gray finished E-1027 she and lover Jean Badovici broke-up and she moved on to build Tempe á Pailla in nearby Menton. Le Corbusier loved the home and made himself very comfortable there over the years as a guest of Badovici. In fact, a little too comfortable in Eileen Gray’s opinion. He took it upon himself to cover the walls with expansive Picasso inspired paintings to which EG took offense, In her vision the walls should have remained stark and clean and called it “an act of vandalism”.

Rowan Moore wrote in the Guardian in 2013: that Corbusier was “Seemingly affronted that a woman could create such a fine work of modernism, he asserted his dominion, like a urinating dog, over the territory”

While staying at the house, lent to him by Jean Badovici in the 1930s, he reportedly stated that he was the one who had designed the space.

He enjoyed his stay so much that he secured the property next door, on it he built a simple cabanon to visit every August where he could work in tranquility and enjoy a simple life fishing and swimming in the clear turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. In contrast to the larger projects he was famous for the Cabanon represents a microcosm of his design sense. Built in 1952 as a humble retreat, this tiny cabin encapsulates his principles of functionalism, efficiency, and spatial economy.

The Cabanon is a compact structure measuring just 3.66 meters by 3.66 meters (12 feet by 12 feet). Every inch of space is meticulously utilized to provide just the essential living amenities.

The interior layout is all based on proportion. Around a square center, there are 4 rectangular sections for sleeping, working and access that fit around a center cube.

The cabin was constructed using a modular grid system, reflecting Le Corbusier’s preference for standardized construction methods. This approach not only facilitated rapid assembly but also ensured structural integrity and aesthetic coherence.

Inside, the cabin features built-in furniture, including a fold-down bed, storage units, and a small kitchenette. The emphasis on simplicity and functionality creates an uncluttered living environment conducive to relaxation and contemplation.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site along with Villa E-1027, the Cabanon Le Corbusier preserves and celebrates the enduring legacy of its architect. Its modest scale and innovative design continue to inspire architects and designers worldwide. Together with Villa E-1027, the Cabanon forms a fascinating architectural ensemble, highlighting the rich dialogue and mutual inspiration between two pioneering figures of the modernist movement.

Next door to Le Cabanon was a small bar L’etoile de Mer where Corbusier would take his meals and became close friends with the owners. In exchange for the land on which he built Le Cabanon he created this structure with 5 simple rooms for the restaurant owners, Marguerite and Roberto Rebutato continuing with his modular sensibility. The land had become popular for campers who enjoyed casual seaside living, the restaurant and the pétanque pitch. This allowed the Rebutato’s to expand their business to include lodging.

Rebutato was originally from San Remo and joined the resistance movement in Nice in 1944. He passed in 1971 and his wife, Marguerite kept the business running until 1984. Le Corbusier died in August of 1965 swimming in the Med, he’s buried in the Roquebrune cemetery with his wife Yvonne. Eileen Gray passed on Halloween in 1976 and is buried at the Pére Lachaise cemetery in Paris.

If you ever have the chance to visit this incredible trinity of local history I highly recommend it, you can almost hear the echos of the many voices of it’s past, contact Cap Moderne to book tickets and read more about this fascinating section of the Côte d’Azur. These homes offer a glimpse into the minds of 2 pioneering designers and provides a serene retreat where the principles of simplicity, functionality, and harmony with nature converge.

It is a place where the spirit of innovation and creativity continues to resonate, and offers an opportunity to contemplate the profound impact of architecture on our lives and surroundings.

If you do go be sure to walk down to the Plage du Buse for lovely little lunch in an authentic beach hut.