Possibly the best example of Irish modernism, that’s not even in Ireland. Designed by the Irish designer-turned-architect Eileen Grey in cooperation with her partner Jean Badovici between 1926-29, located in little village Roquebrune-Cap-Martin on the French Riviera (about half an hour drive from Nice).
Other than being an outstanding example of early modernist total design experience – the building and the furniture are integral entities – the building was subject to artistic intervention by no other than Le Corbusier himself. This resulted in 8 controversial murals that led to long lasting dispute between Gray, Badovici and Le Corbusier.
Currently, after many years of neglect and delapidation, the villa is restored (another controversial topic – this time among the conservation community) and since 2015 available for guided tours (together with adjoining Le Cabanon, and the holiday cabins by Le Corbusier).
It’s a pity that such an architectural masterpiece was not built in Ireland, and Eileen Grey herself had to leave Ireland for England and subsequently France early in her life to pursue her career.
It’s worth noting that when E-1027 was being designed in 1926, the Weissenhof Siedlung in Stuttgart was still a year away, and the benchmark modernist villas like Mies van der Rohe’s Haus Tugendhat or Le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye were not even commissioned.
More information on Grey’s work and tour bookings available on Cap Moderne’s website.
Metropolis. Mass. Machine. 