“Horizontal skyscraper” seems like an oxymoron. Yet, here at Lotissement les Cypres, you’ll find a fascinating example of horizontal living. The Lotissement les Cypres is located on Rue de Marathon in Marseille’s 13th arrondissement.
Let’s delve into the story of this unique housing complex. The ZUP number 1 was created in 1958. It aimed to promote the construction of new neighborhoods outside the constraints of individual plots. Guillaume Gillet designed the layout from 1960 onwards.
The eastern part of ZUP number 1 includes Saint-Jérôme and Malpassé. It is almost exclusively owned by the municipal office. Towers dominate the area. They are spread across several sectors to avoid excessive uniformity.
The tour is now at the Les Cyprès group, located on Rue Marathon. It has 96 dwellings. These include T2, T3, T4, and T5 apartments.
The architecture includes two R+19 towers and one R+12 building. The towers are 700 meters apart on either side of Avenue S. Allende. This arrangement is a key design principle of ZUP number 1.
André Devin designed Les Cyprès. Construction was completed around 1970. Devin was a prolific architect in Marseille. He also designed Sulfur City, Le Pharo, and other notable buildings.
The buildings were constructed with a focus on prefabrication. The facades feature molded concrete panels. These panels have distinctive Greek wave patterns.
Each tower has 20 levels with six apartments per floor. The towers have a rectangular shape. The design includes staggered half-levels. This makes the building more visually interesting. Kitchen recesses and protruding sections break up the volume. Vertical striations enhance the building’s appearance.
The construction of Les Cyprès faced challenges. Its proximity to the Laveran hospital’s heliport and soil conditions caused variations in the tower’s placement.
The residence also offers amenities. There is an elevator. Parking spaces are available. Two caretakers maintain the property.
Over time, the original vision has faded a bit. New owners have altered the buildings without permission. Despite this, the Vieux-Cyprès area earned recognition in 2019. It is now listed as built heritage to be protected. This acknowledgment highlights its unique housing form.
Today, Lotissement les Cypres stands as a reminder. It is a reminder of the ambitious urban planning of the 1960s. It showcases innovative architectural techniques. It also reflects changing social dynamics. As you leave Les Cyprès, consider its layers of history. Its architecture continues to shape Marseille’s urban landscape.