Behind the psychedelic geometry of Antti Lovag’s “Palace of Bubbles”

Project Name: Palace of Bubbles / Palais Bulles

Country: Cannes, France

Designer: Antti Lovag

URL: https://www.palaisbulles.com/explore.php

Gliding through the volcanic hillside of Massif de L’Esterel lies the epitome of playful architecture – of
spontaneous and joyful surprises. Known as the Palais Bulles or “Palace of Bubbles,” this 13,000-square
feet home was designed by Hungarian architect Antti Lovag – the construction of which stretching
between 1975 and 1989.

The organic design of this mansion mimicked humanity’s earliest dwellings in caves – which is then given
a modern flair through its lavishly psychedelic décor, 500-person open amphitheater, an infinity pool,
water ponds, and an eye-catching view of the Mediterranean Sea. Lovag’s interest in the complexity of
spheroidal and spherical forms was reflected throughout its ten rooms, blowing out in convex skylights
and windows, neither a straight line nor a right angle in sight.

Inside, transitions between domes were highlighted through multiple curves, to which the mansion is
very well-known for. Openings made from circles, arches, and ovals are wrapped in pink plaster,
gracefully dispersing across rounded, tunnel-like corridors. Vertically-opening doors of glass and steel
create a flat window barrier, without depriving the interiors of the majestic glimpses of the sea and
foliage. The multi-angular approach of its interiors allowed each opening to create a unique visual
dialogue with natural lighting, each space morphing into different shapes depending on solar and lunar
orientations.

Behind its unconventional form lies an equally unusual construction scheme. All spheres are built using
lightweight rods and mesh, literally rolled around by Lovag and his clients wherever deemed
appropriate. Concrete is then poured around these spherical frames, eventually forming these clusters
of pink lava bubbles.

Despite Lovag’s eminent passion for understanding both architecture and the human body that affects
it, the architect is not known to have a long list of clients. This is highly likely due to three design
philosophies he continues to live by – he does not know what it will look like, he does not know when it
will be completed, and he does not know how much it will cost. Despite his ethical dilemmas, the
architect, at 90 years old, continues to study the nature of Man behind his circular field of vision.