The bubble house by French architect Jean-Benjamin Maneval has been relocated to the present, keeping the inspiration of the sixties.
years The sixties were a time of revolution, experimentation and joy.. The design and concept of the bubble house is a tribute to the period when Jean-Benjamin Maneval he built his six bubble houses. His ambition was to create a new way of life, and he was one of the first to use the possibilities of plasticity in architecture. Advantages? The new material was light, strong and inexpensive. Inspired by the idea of downsizing, Maneval wanted to encourage residents focus on the essentials in just 36 square meters. The concept, which keeps up with the times, delighted the French collector. In 2014, he bought one of the six bubble houses and located it in the Vexin region of France, overlooking the former stables.
Because at the time of purchase the house was completely empty, the owner enlisted the help of two experts for its renovation and furnishing. The first was Kif, an interdisciplinary creative studio founded by Melissa Louis and Guillaume Furet. And the creative Dorothea Meilichzon, circa 100 AD, director of Chzon, a studio famous for designing hotels, bars, and restaurants. A vision of the renewal process: a capsule of fun or even a wellness bubble in the middle of nature, inspired by a hotel room.
Combination of patterns and bright colors
As for the design, it is represented by luxurious carpets, patterns, organic shapes and rich colors. The sixties are ubiquitous too. Bubble House’s polyester shells come in six pieces that can (theoretically) be quickly assembled and disassembled. Straight lines? It’s hard to find them. Therefore, all furniture should be custom for curved shellsis probably the biggest problem with this project. To make the most of 36 square meters, there is everything that is in the apartment, only less, says Meilichzon. “There is an entrance hall, a bed, a shower, a toilet, a wardrobe, a kitchen table, a sofa, and a living-dining room with a table that converts into a coffee table,” he explains.
Once you enter the bubble house, you will find yourself in a small entrance area. Of course, Axel Chey’s modern ring lamp is not from the 1960s. Probably the most important design element is the soft copper-colored carpeting, which contrasts with the simpler plastics. In the center is a table with vintage armchairs. The graphic fabric of the sleeping area runs along the walls and is inspired by Victor Vasarely, Hungarian artist. The white shower cubicle is clad in Arabescato marble and pastel mosaics, and next to it is a cubicle with a walnut sliding screen. The walls of the bar are covered in fabric from Tibor, and you can prepare a drink on the custom-made stainless steel furniture before sitting on a Pierre Paulin mushroom pouf (also a 1960s design). Literally stay in your own bubble. Will this be the house of the future?