Residence in a classified domain
The Grand Morillon estate was built in the 18th century at a time when Geneva opened up to its countryside.
The large old house is flanked by outbuildings arranged around a paved courtyard accessed by an avenue lined with tall chestnut trees. It faces Lake Geneva and the distant Alps.
Symmetry and balance of classical architecture stand in contrast to the bountiful nature surrounding it.
It was the century of exploration of the Alps and the conquest of Mont Blanc. The century of enlightenment and the pre-romanticism of "La Nouvelle Héloïse," which places man in a sensitive relationship with nature.
With the city having grown all around, the estate now finds itself surrounded by large developments mainly linked to the international organizations district. It's a pasture in the middle of the city.
The entire area has been placed under protection, and as compensation, the owners were allowed to build only one additional dwelling on the very spot where a platform below the farm allowed for stacking cow dung and growing pumpkins away from the houses.
In the classical tradition, we designed the house symmetrically facing the landscape. The entrance communicates through a flight of steps with a large living room that feels like an orangery. The entire landscape is brought in through a scenographic device where the inclined side walls enhance the perspective effect.
Small, flat, mineral pavilion, the new dwelling we introduced to the estate does not compete with the old buildings. It stands apart like a hermitage surrounded by a flower garden. With the patina of time and the growth of plantings, it will only reveal its presence to those walkers who venture into the park.
