The decommissioned structure was built in the 1950s for France’s La Cité Radieuse Housing Project in Briey-en-Forêt.
When you hear the name Le Corbusier—the master designer and pioneer of the modern movement—chances are a boiler room is not the first thing that will come to mind. Yet, a tiny structure hidden near France’s border with Luxembourg offers the opportunity to own a unique piece of architectural history. Originally built for one of Le Corbusier’s famous “Unité d’habitation” housing projects, the former utility building was converted into a quirky weekend retreat years ago, and now it’s up for sale.
Built in the 1950s, the cubic structure was designed by Le Corbusier to house the coal boiler for his “Unité d’habitation of Briey” public housing project. The structure was decommissioned and abandoned when a new boiler room was built inside the apartment building years later.
Photo courtesy of Patrice Besse
The current owner purchased the building in its original condition and transformed it into a split-level, single family residence. The renovated structure was recently classified as a French Historical Monument, along with the rest of the housing complex.
Photo courtesy of Patrice Besse
Efforts to rebuild France after WWII provided Le Corbusier with the opportunity to realize his long-held ideas for communal public housing. Also known as his “Radiant City” designs, the Brutalist structures employed a high-rise concrete framework into which various apartment floor plans could be modularly arranged.
The first and most famous of the projects was built in Marseille, in the south of France, with others locations following throughout the 1950s and 60s. The converted boiler room sits on the site of the Le Corbusier’s “Radiant City” in Briey, a small and charming town located a few hours west of Paris and bordered by thick forests.
The smooth concrete facade is adorned by a series of ribbon windows along the top of three sides. Lush greenery surrounds the building and separates it from the main housing complex.
Photo courtesy of Patrice Besse
See the full story on Dwell.com: A Converted Boiler Room Designed by Le Corbusier Asks $450K in France
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