Jericho House by Olivia Fauvelle Architecture: A Contemporary Refurbishment Blending Heritage and Modern Minimalism in Marseille

The Jericho House, redesigned by Olivia Fauvelle Architecture, is a refined example of contemporary refurbishment that harmoniously blends historic character with modern architectural clarity. Located in Marseille, France, this 70 m² transformation reimagines a long, narrow plot with layers of outdoor and indoor spaces that unfold like a curated spatial journey. Captured through the lens of photographer Maxime Verret, the project highlights a thoughtful interplay of materials, light, and landscape.

A Site Defined by Layers and History

Sitting on a unique linear plot, the Jericho House is composed of distinct “layers”:

• a front courtyard,
• the 1900s original main house,
• a lush rear garden,
• and finally an old carriage house leading to a private tiled terrace.

After the first rehabilitation phase of the main house in 2019, the new focus shifted to the southern portion of the property. The goal: to refurbish the outbuilding into a versatile space for family and friends — complete with a playroom, bedroom, and bathroom — while creating a seamless architectural connection to the main house and rethinking the garden as a cohesive landscape element.

Refined Structural Interventions

The design introduces two seven-meter exposed concrete lintels, which become defining structural and visual elements. Spanning across the plot, these lintels connect the main house to the stone walls of the outbuilding and the southern boundary. Their bold yet minimalist presence reinforces the depth and linearity of the plot.

Below the lintels, glossy green tiled facades reflect the surrounding vegetation and the shimmering pool water, creating a layered visual depth. This reflective strategy merges architecture with nature, extending the perception of greenery far beyond the built elements.

The architectural gesture is subtle — tactile and present, yet quiet and unobtrusive.

A Journey Through the Garden

Urban planning height constraints helped shape a thoughtful circulation sequence. From the main house, users descend into a newly designed corridor that runs parallel to the garden. This corridor frames curated views of the vegetation, turning movement into a cinematic experience.

A five-step wooden staircase leads into the refurbished outbuilding, where historic features have been meticulously preserved:

• a restored stone wall,
• and a sanded timber framework that brings warmth and authenticity.

A soft, curved curtain line hides a compact desk area, technical components, and storage, while also guiding movement toward the garden and pool.

Balancing Old and New

A concrete platform subtly conceals the lower rugged section of the stone wall, doubling as a playful threshold and seating element. This merging of past and present materials enriches the spatial character without overwhelming it.

During summer, bignonia trumpet flowers bloom extensively, infusing the garden with vibrant color and a sense of seasonal transformation.

A Subtle, Contemporary, and Connected Home

Jericho House stands as a sensitive renovation, where heritage elements coexist effortlessly with fresh architectural expressions. Olivia Fauvelle Architecture manages to transform a once fragmented property into a unified experience — connecting spaces, enhancing natural surroundings, and elevating simplicity through thoughtful materiality.

All the photographs are works of Maxime Verret