Style : Li sa SIC IGNANO
Collected St udio
Photographer : Ludovic BAL AY
The Madagascar Pavilion was showcased at the 1878 Universal Exhibition in Paris before being relocated and reconstructed in Villers-sur-Mer as a vacation home.
It reflects the enthusiasm for architectural eclecticism, combining exotic and European influences that were popular during that period.
Its restoration has breathed new life into a building that, over time, had lost all its iconic features. The intricately decorated structural posts, coffered wooden ceilings, and wooden-paneled facades have been magnificently restored, highlighting the building’s entirely wooden construction.
Perched on the heights of Villers-sur-Mer, overlooking the sea, the interior design embraces neutral and warm tones, extending the coastal landscape of sand and rocks indoors. The house’s gallery invites contemplation of the bay below.
Inside, the spaces are warm and intimate. A system of curtains serves as movable partitions, allowing spaces to be modulated at will. As a nod to the pavilion’s colonial past, woodwork accents made from woven banana leaves and raffia fibers add warmth and comfort. Door frames, floor designs, and the large kitchen island subtly incorporate wood and stone to evoke the surrounding coastal landscape. The dining table, custom-designed for the project, features enamelled lava stone.
On the upper floors, each bedroom has its own custom-designed bathroom. The headboards are also tailor-made to provide added comfort and elegance.
All rooms offer sea views or access to the exterior gallery. The inviting bedrooms and bathtubs encourage lingering, providing a perfect setting to contemplate the sea.
Like the bow of a ship, the master suite commands a 360-degree view of the bay. Its majestic marble bathroom features a double sink adorned with a pivoting mirror as the centerpiece of this exceptional space.