In 1916, returning from the East, Le Corbusier starts to build this villa ordered by Anatole Schwob, a rich manufacturer from La Chaux-de-Fonds.

The architect, only 29 years old, combines bricks and concrete to erect a revolutionary building. Not load-bearing walls but 16 pillars supporting 4 quadrangular slabs are used in a building designed harmoniously, with refined lines and generous curves used in the semi circular wings on each side.

Inside, the light is magical: coming through the southern glass wall and playing with the brightness of more discreet openings situated on the East and the West. You can access the upper floors from the huge central room. They house rooms with attachments such as a solarium and a roof garden.

This is the only early work claimed by the young architect. It gave him the opportunity to free himself from the «Art nouveau» influence of this era. It also marked the first of a series of troubles with the owner and has been the reason behind his move to Paris. Now taken over by the clockmaker Ebel who uses it as a PR centre, the Villa Turque is open to everyone on every first and third Saturday of the month.

Informations:

Villa Turque
Rue du Doubs 167 (locate)
2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds
www.ebel.com
Tél + 41 (0)32 912 31 47
Photo: Ebel