A Restored Duplex Apartment in Le Corbusier’s Iconic Cité Radieuse Seeks $437K

The 20th-century unit hosts a trove of original detail, including a Charlotte Perriand–designed kitchen and a staircase by Jean Prouvé.

A Restored Duplex Apartment in Le Corbusier’s Iconic Cité Radieuse Seeks $437K

The 20th-century unit hosts a trove of original detail, including a Charlotte Perriand–designed kitchen and a staircase by Jean Prouvé.

In Marseille, France, a modernist time capsule sits on the fifth floor of La Cité Radieuse, a UNESCO-listed housing development by architect Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, better known as Le Corbusier. The two-level unit was built between 1948 and 1952 as part of the celebrated concrete structure, which is now recognized as an iconic stamp of the late architect’s work.

One of Le Corbusier's most celebrated projects, La Cité Radieuse (The Radiant City) has long been recognized as a historical monument by the French Ministry of Culture and was also deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016. Though the building was officially completed in 1952, the legendary architect started to develop the type-apartment designs as early as 1920.

One of Le Corbusier’s most celebrated projects, La Cité Radieuse (The Radiant City) in Marseille, France, is recognized as a historical monument by the French Ministry of Culture. It was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016. Though the building was officially completed in 1952, the legendary architect started to develop the type-apartment designs as early as 1920. 

Photo courtesy of Architecture de Collection

La Cité Radieuse, or "The Radiant City," marked the first of five Unité d'Habitation buildings designed by Le Corbusier throughout Europe. The stilted housing complex includes 337 apartments of 23 different types.

Each duplex inside the 12-story complex spans across two levels. The apartment currently for sale sits on the fifth floor, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean sea beyond.

Each unit in the 12-story complex spans two levels. The fifth-floor apartment currently listed for €385,000 (approximately $436,582 USD) offers views of the nearby Mediterranean Sea.

Photo courtesy of Architecture de Collection

Measuring roughly 684 square feet, the currently listed C-type duplex apartment on the building’s fifth floor greets guests with an open-plan upper level where original floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the Mediterranean Sea. A compact kitchen designed by French architect Charlotte Perriand—one of Le Corbusier’s frequent collaborators—connects to the living/dining area through a small cut out window. Perriand also designed several built-ins and furnishings on both floors.

The C-type home features a neutral color palette. Various wooden touches pop against the surrounding white walls and ceiling. The kitchen is tucked away on the far end of the upper level.

The duplex apartment features a neutral color palette with wooden touches that pop against the surrounding white walls and ceiling. 

Photo courtesy of Architecture de Collection

See the full story on Dwell.com: A Restored Duplex Apartment in Le Corbusier’s Iconic Cité Radieuse Seeks $437K
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