“Athanase’s gift.” That is what they whispered about Villa Zilvelli. It stands as a testament to love and architectural innovation. This villa is located on the Butte Bergeyre in Paris.
Villa Zilvelli was commissioned by Athanase Zilveli. He was a Greek engineer and accountant. Athanase wanted to surprise his Norman wife with a unique birthday present. He purchased land and had the villa constructed in 1933.
Jean Welz designed Villa Zilvelli. He was an Austrian architect. The villa covers 136 square meters across two floors. It is a prime example of modernist architecture.
The villa’s design features slender cruciform pillars. These pillars elevate the structure five meters above the ground. This design choice has drawn comparisons to Le Corbusier’s work. However, Villa Zilvelli has a distinct character. The exposed concrete reveals the joints of each facade panel. This differs from the smooth finish of Villa Savoye.
Originally, Villa Zilvelli had two large windows. They offered remarkable views. The west-facing facade showcased the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The south-facing window framed the Eiffel Tower. A balcony once graced the south facade. It featured a concrete blade with an integrated desk. Sadly, authorities later removed this avant-garde structure.
Villa Zilvelli faced neglect for about ten years. It was left unoccupied. This raised concerns among heritage advocates. The villa even inspired a squat in Virginie Despentes’ novel, Vernon Subutex. In 2006, the Paris city council issued a safety order. However, disputes among heirs delayed any action.
In 2019, artist Jean-Paul Goude purchased Villa Zilvelli at auction for 2.2 million euros. Due to the building’s deteriorated condition, Goude planned to rebuild it identically.
Demolition occurred in the summer of 2022. By 2024, the vacant 212-square-meter plot was for sale. The initial price was 2.5 million euros. Later, it was reduced to 1.685 million euros.
Villa Zilvelli, though no longer standing, remains significant. It represents a unique blend of love, modernist design, and Parisian history. The villa continues to fascinate architecture enthusiasts.