Renaissance of the Villa Madagascar, an exceptional heritage site in Villers-sur-Mer.

A historic chalet awakened after nearly 150 years of silence

This seaside villa, which had remained dormant for nearly 150 years, awaited new owners capable of reviving it without betraying its history. An old wooden chalet showcased at the 1878 World’s Fair in Paris, it was dismantled and then reassembled in Villers-sur-Mer. This remarkable building is now listed as an "exceptional building, a major element of Villers-sur-Mer" under the AVAP. This project represented much more than a renovation: it was a true heritage renaissance.

Giving a second breath to rare architecture

The project entrusted to our firm involved a complete restructuring and renovation, both inside and out. The challenge was to preserve the unique soul of this villa while adapting it to new, more comfortable uses that are more open to its environment. Each intervention was carefully considered, respecting the exceptional character of the place and its architectural memory.

A significant restructuring in service of a new way of living

A major restructuring was necessary to allow for the complete transformation of the villa. This work notably enabled the extension of the balcony to create a true living terrace, as well as the transformation of an otherwise inaccessible rooftop into a living space open to the sea. These new outdoor arrangements now fully extend the house and offer a privileged relationship with the seaside landscape.

Enhancing wooden facades with a soft and luminous palette

Special attention was given to highlighting the wooden facades, a strong element of this villa's identity. The choice of new exterior joinery and facade colors underwent meticulous work. We favored a subtle harmony of off-whites and light ochres to reveal the elegance of the structure, its decorative finesse, and its presence in the landscape of Villers-sur-Mer.

Between preserved heritage and new life facing the sea

This project illustrates our commitment to sensitive architecture, capable of preserving the historical value of a building while giving it a new impetus. Through this renovation, this seaside villa regains its nobility, comfort, and residential vocation, in a serene dialogue between heritage, light, and the marine horizon.

Project Information

• Project: Restructuring and renovation of a seaside villa – Chalet World’s Fair 1878
• Client: Private
• Mission: Interior and exterior restructuring and renovation
• Year of completion: 2024
• Location: Villers-sur-Mer
• Team: SPN, DESPERROIS CHARPENTE, DELANNEY COUVERTURE, CHEFDEVILLE MÉTALLERIE, ERE, LAINÉ PEINTURE