• Book Review | La Maison de Verre

    La Maison de Verre (literally ‘The House of Glass’) is a modernist masterpiece that almost nobody has ever seen. Here, for the first time in English, is it’s inside story.

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    In 1927 Annie and Jean Dalsace acquired an 18th-century town house in the centre of Paris and commissioned their friend, the architect and designer Pierre Chareau(image left), to turn it into a modern dwelling – a very modern dwelling.

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    What he did was unprecedented. He replaced the walls with translucent glass bricks, installed remotely controlled windows, divided the interior by perforated metal screens that rotate or slide on curved rails, built balconies and open-topped staircases to help display the unique collection of furniture designed by the architect, some covered with tapestry by the artist Jean Lurçat, and works of art collected by the modern-spirited Annie Dalsace.

    The text is by Dominique Vellay, granddaughter of the original clients, who has known the house since her childhood, and makes us experience it as if at first hand. The house is recorded by the internationally renowned photographer François Halard(not represented by the images above). The combination of personal reminiscence and spectacular images makes this a truly rare publishing event.
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    2 responses to “Book Review | La Maison de Verre”

    1. Steven Forth September 23rd, 2010 at 15:14

      This looks like a wonderful book. I am very impressed with the recent blog posts – informative, beautiful, and they get me excited about design. Keep up the good work.

      How do we get more cutting edge work happening in Vancouver?

    2. admin September 27th, 2010 at 10:59

      Thank you for the comment Steven.

      You pose a great question; it’s hard to say, we ask this question often. Interest and creation seem to be increasing here however and it feels like it’s up us and those like you, who appreciate the quality of good design, to help educate others in the value of product longevity.

      Your feedback is invaluable to us – if you have anymore comments or questions, please post often. Thanks again!