The ‘Bubble Palace’ is for Sale
The incredible spherical residence in Théoule-sur-Mer, designed by Hungarian architect Antti Lovag in 1979, is estimated to be worth $350 million.
Designed in 1979 by the Hungarian Antti Lovag, the ‘Bubble Palace’ is still one of the most revolutionary architectural designs today. The 13,000-square-foot residence is presented on the real estate market by Christie's Real Estate International and its affiliate Michaël Zingraf Real Estate, with price available upon request.
Nestled on the cliffs of the Massif de l'Esterel on the Côte d'Azur, the terracotta spheres that make up the Bubble Palace embody Antti Lovag's architectural philosophy, according to which straight lines are "an aggression against nature".
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The architect had a unique vision of his discipline. Emphasizing the unconventional dimension of his approach, he defined himself as a ‘habitologist’. Lovag had little or no interest in architecture as such and preferred to focus on man and his living space to create an ‘envelope’ encompassing his needs.
The spherical property was designed on behalf of Pierre Bernard. Built between 1979 and 1984, it is the third house of this type imagined by Lovag and the second work that Bernard commissioned. The architect had already experimented with this innovative technique on a house built in Tourrettes-sur-Loup for Antoine Gaudet.
“It's a woman's body. Everything is absolutely sensual,” said fashion designer Pierre Cardin, who contributed to the reputation of the Bubble Palace residence.
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After Bernard’s death, the Bubble Palace was bought by Cardin in 1991, who was said to be infinitely inspired by its voluptuous shapes. “Since the start of my career, the circle has been a constant in my creations. I wanted to be the promoter of the unusual,” he said. The designer exhibited his collection of furniture, art and design objects, and hosted various events, such as the Dior fashion show in 2015, at the palace.
Everything from the floor to the ceiling, from portholes to winding aisles, is spherical or curved. The Bubble Palace is an incredible set of volumes that the architect thought of as a return to ancestral roots and habitats.
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With a breathtaking view of the bay of Cannes, this corner of paradise is at the forefront of contemporary architecture. Assembled like a cluster of bubbles, the palace offers a panoramic lounge, a reception room and 10 suites decorated by contemporary artists, such as Patrice Breteau, Jérôme Tisserand, Daniel You, François Chauvin or Gérard Le Cloarec.
The outdoor auditorium can accommodate 500 people and overlooks the sea, while the gardens, ponds and swimming pool extend over more than 8,500m² of land. This terracotta house-sculpture blends in perfectly with its surroundings and the rocks of the Esterel.
Although Cardin put the house up for sale in 2016 with an estimated price of $350 million, today the Christie's International Real Estate website displays no specific amount.
The Bubble Palace has been listed as a historical monument by the Ministry of Culture since 1999. The Gaudet house, the first Lovag creation in this style, carried out at the time without a building permit, has been listed as one since 1998.
