Case Study :

Villa Savoye
BY
LE CORBUSIER Architects
Project Details
NAMES: VILLA SAVOYA
ARCHITECTS: LE CORBUSIER
DATE: 1928-1931
ADRESS: FRANCE
 HISTOTICAL BACKGROUND

The villa is considered one of the most iconic examples of modern

architecture and is often referred to as a masterpiece of the International
Style.
The design of Villa Savoye embodies Le Corbusier's five principles of
architecture: the use of pilotis (thin columns) to raise the building off the
ground, an open floor plan, free façade, horizontal windows, and a roof
garden.
 PASSIVE COOLING

1. Orientation: Villa Savoye is situated on an east-west axis, allowing for effective solar control. The
south-facing facade has large windows that capture sunlight during the winter months, providing
solar heating, while shading devices and smaller windows on the north side minimize heat gain in the
summer.

2. Ventilation: The villa incorporates cross-ventilation principles to promote natural airflow. Large
windows and sliding glass doors on opposite sides of the building allow for breezes to pass through,
creating a cooling effect. The central courtyard also acts as a ventilation shaft, drawing in cool air and
expelling warm air through the roof.
 PASSIVE COOLING

3. Thermal mass: Villa Savoye utilizes materials with high thermal mass, such as concrete and
stone, to absorb and store heat during the day and release it slowly at night. This helps
regulate indoor temperatures and reduces the need for additional cooling.

4. Shading devices: The building features horizontal brise-soleil (sunshades) on the south-
facing facade to block direct sunlight and prevent overheating. These shading devices, along
with the carefully designed roof overhangs, create a balance between natural light and solar
control.

5. Green roofs: Villa Savoye incorporates rooftop gardens, which not only provide insulation
but also help absorb heat and reduce the
 BUILDING MATERIALS

1. Reinforced concrete: The structure of Villa Savoye is primarily made of reinforced

concrete, which was a revolutionary material at the time. Reinforced concrete
offers strength, durability, and flexibility in design, allowing for the creation of
unique and innovative architectural forms.

2. Glass: Villa Savoye incorporates large glass windows and sliding glass doors,
which allow for ample natural light and views of the surrounding landscape. The
extensive use of glass in the design contributes to the modernist aesthetic and blurs
the boundaries between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
 BUILDING MATERIALS

3. Steel: Steel was used for the structural framework and support of Villa Savoye. It
provided the necessary strength and stability to accommodate the open floor plans and
cantilevered sections of the building.

4. Stone: Stone was used for the exterior cladding of Villa Savoye. The white stucco finish
gives the building a clean and minimalist appearance, while the stone elements add
texture and visual interest.

5. Wood: While not as predominant as the other materials, wood was used in some
interior elements of Villa Savoye, such as the flooring and cabinetry. Wood adds warmth
and natural beauty to the interior spaces.
 DAYLIGHT
1. Ribbon windows: Villa Savoye features long horizontal ribbon windows that run along the façade of the
building. These windows allow for ample daylight to enter the interior spaces, creating a bright and airy
atmosphere.

2. Open floor plan: The open floor plan of Villa Savoye allows for uninterrupted flow of light throughout
the different rooms. The absence of walls and partitions allows natural light to penetrate deeper into the
building, reaching even the innermost areas.

3. Skylights: Le Corbusier incorporated skylights in certain areas of Villa Savoye to bring in additional
natural light. These skylights are strategically placed to illuminate specific spaces, such as the central ramp
and stairwell.
 DAYLIGHT
4. Glass facades: The extensive use of glass in Villa Savoye's design ensures that
daylight can penetrate from multiple directions. The large glass windows and sliding
glass doors not only provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape but also
allow for an abundance of natural light to enter the interior spaces.

5. Light wells: In some areas of the building, Le Corbusier incorporated lightwells or

voids that extend vertically through multiple floors. These lightwells serve as light
shafts, bringing daylight from the roof down to the lower levels of the building
 critics
A disconnection from surrounding environment, it has no
neighboring buildings which can promote high insecurity. It has
no fence yet it is too far and it takes a large distance from
others.