In one of the most glamorous part of the Côte d'Azur, just a flick of betting chip from the famous Casino of Monte Carlo, Immobiliere Marquet, a Pizzarotti Group Company, presents its first property development
in collaboration with Longo Palmarini Architecture & Partners, architecture studio based in Milan. A residential development, comprising 23 apartments with large terraces and Mediterranean gardens, now
constitutes one of the most distinctive features of the seafront at Cap d'Ail. The project comprised of two blocks of 4 storey overlooking a central courtyard open to the city. A separate staircase, covered with
attractive sheet steel Cor-ten, becomes the beacon around which are organized the two structures. Thanks to a carving process, this prominent element creates lighting effects and reflections that change and enliven the surrounding architectural context, transforming it into a dynamic and poetic element. The building incorporates some typical features of Mediterranean buildings: the use of brise soleil, installed both on the façade and on the top floor terraces, offering good Solar lighting control throughout the day. Local stone, used for the basement, gives a strict sense of elegance and at the same time defines a filter between the public environment of the city and the private area of Residences. Materials used for the internal pathways also participate in the “hierarchy” of the communal spaces. In the Hall we find the same facade stone, treated in a softer way, while, on the upper floors, natural wood slabs accompany us, like the floating docks of a marina, to the residential units.
Fitted kitchens, flush fitting shower trays, sophisticated lighting effects and a selection of interior finishes are just some of the components of Italian elegance so recognized and sought-after abroad. Another important feature distinguishing the building is the facade system made with Parklex, a panel of mineralized wood that offers high technical performance in maritime environments which grants the benefits of both "overcoat" and “ventilated” facades. Finally, a vertical garden skirting the pathways and the installation of photovoltaic panels reinforce the character of sustainability that has permeated the development of this new architecture of the Cote d'Azur. The project was the result of a positive relationship between the Client, in the person of its Managing Director Giorgio Cassina and the Architecture Firm run by Giovanni Longo and Alessandro Palmarini. Thanks to this opportunity to have real time decisions, combined with a selection of cutting-edge Companies, it has been possible to focus attention and energies, not only on the pragmatic aspects, but especially on the quality of the architectural work.