Located on the southern slope of the Sainte Victoire, the iconic mountain of the landscape surrounding Aix-en-Provence, the existing cemetery of the village of Saint-Antonin-sur-Bayon has already been expanded twice. This new expansion is inserted into the northern side of the mountain, like a staple intended to contain the existing cemetery.

The site, benefitting from its picturesque context, is an integral part of this land nourished by the resonant emotions of the national imaginary. Thus, any intervention must dutifully reflect the sensitivity of its setting to ensure its lasting and humble insertion.

The colors of limestone, a local material closely linked to the region’s identity, recall the colors of the boulders on the Sainte-Victoire. Existing vegetation was kept and further filled in. New trees planted will grow to provide shade for the expansion. Plants that were added increase the presence of existing species on the site: thyme, rosemary, rock rose, gorse, etc. 

The composition of this project offers the necessary introversion required for contemplation on a site open to the broader landscape. Unity has been achieved by reordering the various expansions of this accumulation over time.

Team:

Architects & Project Management: Atelier Régis Roudil architectes

Contractor: Mairie de Saint-Antonin-sur-Bayon

Structural engineering: I2C

VRD engineering: CERRETTI

Geotechnician: SOL-ESSAI

Paysages Méditerranéens

Gagneraud Construction

Photographer: Florence Vesval