VILLA BENKEMOUN

Designed in 1974 by architect Emile Sala, Villa Benkemoun is an architectural jewel located in Arles, France. The Villa extends over a one-hectare estate and was commissioned by Simone and Pierre Benkemoun, a couple that moved from Algeria to Arles in 1962.

A decade later enlisted their friend Émile Sala to design their dream home. Sala, a native of Arles, took an unusual approach: the style is affected by the futuristic influences of the 60s but also takes into account the physical and environmental potential of the landscape, in line with the development of the first theories on “bioclimatic” architecture, which are still very contemporary today.

The architectural features are delightful: there is a capsule-shaped bathroom perfect for long soaks, a spectacular chrome-plated chimney hood above the fireplace recalling falling water, and a spiral staircase that connects the ground-floor living spaces with the first floor, where the bedrooms are.

By 2017 both Simone and Pierre had passed away. Their daughter Brigitte decided to refurbish the home and open it to the public, and after two years of work, the house was returned to its former glory. Her effort was rewarded: in 2015 Villa Benkemoun was declared “Patrimoine Architectural du XXe Siècle” by the Ministry of Culture. Nowadays this 1970s jewel is available for shootings, conferences, dinners and other special events. It also hosts art exhibitions and is occasionally open for tours.