Villa “Le Lac” by Le Corbusier is located by Geneva Lake in Switzerland. It offers a breathtaking view of the lake and the mountains as a backdrop.
The house layout plan, design, orientation, and surroundings demonstrate the basic principles of his architectural approach.
In 2022, I had the privilege of visiting Villa “Le Lac,” one of Le Corbusier’s masterpieces near Vevey. Last year, the Villa commemorated its 100th anniversary.

Le Corbusier designed and built the Villa as a second home for his parents to use during their retirement. It is a real feast for any Le Corbusier fan.
UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage site in 2016, and it is now open as a museum.

Le Corbusier

I grew up not far from Villa “Le Lac.” I used to walk past it during summer when I swam at the lake. A tall wall obscures the Villa from the footpath, causing passersby to overlook the building. Now, a sign proudly points to the entry where you can visit the interior and the garden.

“Minimal House with Maximum Comfort and Space“

Le Corbusier’s architectural influence resonates even more today with our way of life and how we interact within our living spaces.

Villa “Le Lac”

The floor plan is colour-coded, defining each space.

Discovering the Villa was a fantastic experience. Immersing myself in Le Corbusier’s modernist world and seeing the scale of the building along with the furniture he designed within the space transported me to another design era.

I love how modern Le Corbusier applied colours to define space, like the seating area or the bedroom.
His colour swatches consist of solid, deep blues and rich ochre hues. Immersing yourself in his space is fascinating.

One interesting design aspect is how Le Corbusier captures the view with a frame. The tall stone wall at the garden’s edge and the garden setting create a shelter from the wind and direct our gaze through a square opening that frames the view perfectly.
As you walk on the grass and look through the frame, a different view appears. Each day and each moment offer a different landscape, such as the moored sailing boats I saw when I visited.

With such stunning lake views, you could easily sit there and listen to the water clapping against the edge of the property. The position of the outdoor seating arrangement is simple yet ideal for relaxation, reading a book, or enjoying a meal.

A view from the back of the garden towards the Villa shows the flat roof garden.

What a treat! I’m sitting in front of the bay windows where the dining space area was designed, with furniture by Le Corbusier.

RESOURCES

Anne Resplendino Interiors