Cabanon de vacances, Modernist cottage in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France
The Cabanon is a small wooden cottage built directly on the rocky coastline of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. The structure measures roughly 4 square meters and contains two windows that open toward the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding landscape.
This retreat was designed and constructed in 1952 by a Swiss architect seeking to prove that living well required very little space. The building became a test case for new ideas about how to organize daily activities in extremely compact conditions.
The name "Cabanon" means small hut, reflecting the building's intentional simplicity. Inside, painted walls and integrated storage show how someone lived comfortably in this compact space.
The cottage sits on the rocky shore and can be seen from outside, but entering the interior requires advance planning. Contact the local management office to arrange a guided visit, as access is controlled and tours operate on a schedule.
The structure uses prefabricated wooden panels combined with a bold yellow floor and green wall panels that function as both practical elements and artistic gestures. This distinctive color scheme was intentional, designed to make the tiny space feel more open and inhabitable.
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