“Villa Fallet,” a name that resonates through time. The Villa Fallet stands before you, a testament to the early architectural genius of Le Corbusier. In 1906, when he was only 19 years old, young Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, as he was then known, designed this house for Louis-Édouard Fallet, a local engraver. The Villa Fallet was a departure from the then-popular Art Nouveau style, a unique blend of regionalist architecture and functional design. The “Style sapin,” or “Pine Tree Style,” was born. This style, characterized by its use of wood, stone, and geometric patterns, would be one of the defining influences of Le Corbusier’s later work.
Villa Fallet was built on a forested hillside, just outside the bustling city of La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. It’s a large chalet with a steep roof, typical of the region’s alpine architecture. Adorning the façade are intricate carvings and geometric patterns, inspired by the surrounding pine trees, a reminder of the region’s natural beauty. Inside, each room is thoughtfully designed, with features like a central fireplace, a stained glass window, and a unique stairwell. The house reflects a young architect’s desire to find a balance between form and function, tradition and innovation. Today, the Villa Fallet is a national treasure, standing as a reminder of Le Corbusier’s early artistic inclinations.
This extraordinary residence was purchased by the city of La Chaux-de-Fonds in 2022, securing its future as a vital part of the city’s cultural heritage. It is a home that tells the story of a visionary’s early years, a story that continues to inspire and captivate visitors from all over the world. Walk up to Villa Fallet to experience its beauty firsthand and imagine what it would have been like to live in this home.
Église Notre-Dame de l’Air
Beneath what appears to be a simple stone and wood structure lies a history interwoven with faith aviation and community.