Standing tall like a ship above the sea and overlooking the bay of Cannes, from the Esterel to the snow-capped mountains of the Alps, the Villa Up is a tribute to transparency and light beneath its monolithic looks. Built by the firm Caprini & Pellerin Architectes, the contemporary villa stands as an ode to the art of living with the elements.
The Villa Up is located on the hilltops of Cannes, where immaculate volumes and blocks, interplays of translucent materials, aquatic passageways, vegetation and leveled “restanques” all merge into terraces that give onto the horizon.
The two architects Kevin Caprini & Jerry Pellerin, worked with the constraints of a steep land and overlooking neighboring properties. The partners set out an ingenious layout that embraces the steep inclination of the land whilst optimising the views and privacy of the property.
Built on two floors, the South facing L shaped villa, is made of an assemblage of monolithic blocks that are at times cantilevered, or extended with caps to sooth the summer light, or encircled with fully retractable windows and terraced with vegetation. Architectural techniques that tame the light, enhance the views and interact with the landscape, thereby giving a sense of weightlessness to the building.
Borders between interior and exterior are erased by numerous openings and high-tech windows, whose metallic parts are fully disguised. The minimalistic window panels slide entirely into the walls to transform the rooms into open terraces. The balcony railings are also made of glass to maximize the views.
An ingenious choice of materials and skillful distribution of rooms which never appear really closed, provide multiple perspectives and crossing spaces bathed in light facing the horizon.
The levitating central staircase is set in a glass cage that reveals steps hemmed in solid oak. The all glass hood of the fireplace and skylights and window slits created here and there, also act as a eulogy of transparency.
Entirely though out by Caprini & Pellerin, the team also designed all the interiors using noble materials such as natural stone, solid oak, marble, that breath extra soul and warmth into the minimalistic Villa.
Also responsible for landscaping the garden, the design team enjoyed staging the back of the house with aquatic corridors and the South facing front with a 20 meter long infinity pool. A long green strip of grass separates the outdoor kitchen and sauna areas from the swimming pool . A large relaxation deck with the sun beds is suspended under the pool to remain invisible from the bedrooms which have eyes only for the bluish horizons.
Green roofs and a garden planted with Mediterranean essences, oaks, pines, olive trees, laurels, lavender, boxwood, jasmine and wild grasses, magnify this architectural haven, that stands open to its environment and nature.
