Standing here, can you feel the echoes of a bygone era emanating from the Villa Lafont? This villa is also known as Villa La Ferrandière. It stands proudly at 40 Rue du Quatre-Septembre 1797 in Villeurbanne.
Adolphe Lafont, a textile industrialist, commissioned this architectural gem. His factory once stood nearby. Lafont entrusted the Bureau Technique de Construction with the project. The engineers Léon Lelièvre and Léon Barbier led the construction. The plans were drawn in 1921. Construction finished around 1925.
The Villa Lafont showcases an intriguing blend of styles. Its reinforced concrete structure hints at Tony Garnier’s influence. You can see this influence in the flat roof, pergola, and bow-window. Yet, the interior design reflects Madame Lafont’s fascination with Pompeii villas.
Inside the Villa Lafont, a world of art unfolds. R. Burretta’s painted frieze and Cavina’s bas-reliefs echo Pompeian motifs. Ernesto Giavina’s marble decor adds to the Italian inspiration. Stained-glass windows by J. Mayosson and Jacques Gruber depict Pompeii landscapes. Some windows even feature scenes from Colette’s opera.
Madame Lafont played a vital role in the villa’s design. She guided the architects toward an eclectic vision. Her influence resulted in unique architectural trends. The Villa Lafont stands as a testament to her taste.
The building has a geometric rectangular plan. It measures 14 meters by 17 meters. The main structure uses exposed reinforced concrete. This material allowed for a flat roof design. Each facade has its distinct features. Bow-windows create unique facade recesses. The corners have cutaway panels. The southwest corner boasts a turret with a pergola. The main entrance is also highlighted by a pergola.
The Villa Lafont features a closed-off design. It is somewhat disconnected from the garden. The only entrance provides a link to the outside world. A concrete wall encloses the villa and its rose garden. The wall features Art Deco-style claustras.
The interior layout departs from tradition. It embraces a new way of living. The basement holds a laundry room, servants’ quarters, and a garage. A vast square hall with a zenithal skylight defines the main floor. This hall acts as the heart of the villa. It connects the kitchen-dining room, bedrooms, bathroom, and study.
Some call the Villa Lafont a “house without doors”. Its open layout draws inspiration from Italian Renaissance villas and ancient Roman houses. The hall resembles an atrium with Doric columns. The impluvium is now a rectangular basin. The skylight references the compluvium.
The villa integrates modern innovations. It includes a dumbwaiter, garbage chute, pantry, and ventilation system. It also has a bathroom, central heating, and integrated watering for the plants. Originally, an electrical circuit, water supply, and tunnel connected the house to the factory.
The Villa Lafont is a blend of architectural styles. It demonstrates the versatility of reinforced concrete. The villa received the “20th Century Heritage” label. It stands as a reminder of Villeurbanne’s industrial past. The Villa Lafont has been listed as a historical monument since 1991.