A House Typical of the French ’50s

Published on July 6, 2008 by Francois Hagnere in Architecture

The 1950s are famous for their modern architecture. Brasilia in Brazil, Royan and this house in Rochefort in France are good examples.

Rochefort (Charente Maritime), is a town on the Atlantic Coast of France, near La Rochelle, with an exceptional heritage from the XVIIth century till today, namely its maritime arsenal.

This original house called “Maison Pigeon” was built in 1958 by Louis Belasco, on a boulevard where all styles of architecture can be seen. This architect was very active in Royan just after WW II when the town was rebuilt. Royan, like Brasilia is well-know for its modern architecture. The one-sloped roof of the californian type, the geometrical decoration, the mosaic so expressive of the “50s really are true testimonies of this period. This is the only one in Rochefort. The architect took his inpiration from LeCorbusier’s chapel in Ronchamp (1955).

Unfortunately, the services of the town ordered its total destruction. Demolition has not begun yet, let us hope it will never happen.

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Tags: Brasilia, fifties, modern architecture, mosaic, Rochefort, Royan, typical architecture

16 Comments

Michele Cameron Drew, posted this comment on Dec 24th, 2008

Both beautiful and sad, Francois. It is such a shame when a piece of wonderful architecture is destroyed. Merry Christmast to you, my friend.

-M

clay hurtubise, posted this comment on May 20th, 2009

They should keep the house, it is classic.
Thanks,
Clay

PhoenixRox, posted this comment on Jul 17th, 2009

I sure hope they realize what a huge mistake it would be to demolish this house!!

Sterling Christianson, posted this comment on Sep 22nd, 2009

What a house!. I would love too live in a dwelling that appeared like this. In the 50’s, if this was modern, France was way ahead of their time in architectural designs. These types of homes are quite populsr here in the U.S., and quite loved. What a shame if the tear this down. Can it be moved Francois?

lillyrose, posted this comment on Nov 12th, 2009

nice one!

Francois Hagnere, posted this comment on Nov 12th, 2009

Thank you my friends for your comments. Unfortunately this house has been destroyed more than one year ago now, and nothing has replaced it. It is a real shame.
Please check out my other article here concerning the destruction of this beautiful house with many photos and details. I also wrote several articles here on Le Corbusier.
Take care.