A Restored Duplex Apartment in Le Corbusier’s Iconic Cité Radieuse Seeks $437K
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) 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.
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 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.
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 duplex apartment features a neutral color palette with wooden touches that pop against the surrounding white walls and ceiling.
The small yet efficient kitchen designed by Charlotte Perriand features original tilework and cabinetry. The space receives natural light thanks to the large bay windows in the living room.
From the upper level of the apartment, an original wood-and-metal staircase by French architect and designer Jean Prouvé leads down to the private wing of the home. The lower level is currently configured as a bedroom and small office space that opens to a covered terrace. Additional storage and a bathroom are located down the hall.
A large wardrobe designed by Charlotte Perriand originally served as a partition between the office area and bedroom on the lower level.
Residents of the Le Corbusier–designed complex have access to a rooftop area, as well as the seven-acre park surrounding the development. The historic building also houses multiple cafes, restaurants, shops, and a hotel.
Floor-to-ceiling windows help bathe the bedroom in natural light.
A small, private terrace situated off the bedroom overlooks the coastal city.
The downstairs hallway features original built-in storage.
An all-white bathroom with a soaking tub is situated on the lower level.
Duplex Type C in La Cité Radieuse in Marseille, France, is currently listed for €385,000 (approximately $436,582 USD) by Architecture de Collection.
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