Jean Prouvé’s 6×6 Demountable House in London Garden

Carpenters Workshop Gallery has unveiled a meticulously restored model of Jean Prouvé’s 6×6 demountable house, known as Maison Démontable, within London Garden. This historical piece of prefabricated architecture now serves as the focal point of a 1,150-square-metre garden created by renowned landscape designer Luciano Giubbilei.

A Tribute to Historical Prefabricated Housing

Maison Démontable is an early model of the 6×6 demountable house that Jean Prouvé, the influential French architect, developed in the aftermath of World War II to provide shelter for those displaced by the conflict. Commissioned to deliver 800 units for the Lorraine and Franche-Comté regions of France, Prouvé’s design became a significant milestone in the evolution of prefabricated housing.

The 6×6 demountable house is distinguished by its innovative axial portal frame, which supports a modular system of wall and floor panels. This design not only simplified assembly but also enhanced the structure’s stability and durability. The name 6×6 refers to the house’s 36-square-metre floor plate, which originally provided three functional rooms.

Restoration and Modern Enhancements

Carpenters Workshop Gallery has carefully restored Maison Démontable, ensuring the preservation of its historical integrity while integrating modern comforts. The restoration includes the addition of a two-by-six-metre porch, new windows, and underfloor heating beneath revived parquet floors. These enhancements elevate the living standards of the structure without compromising its original design and aesthetic.

“These restorations were all done to elevate the level of comfort of the structure, without changing its overall design or appearance,” noted Carpenters Workshop Gallery. The result is a harmonious blend of Prouvé’s mid-

Jean Prouvé’s 6×6 Demountable House Unveiled in London Garden

Carpenters Workshop Gallery has unveiled a meticulously restored model of Jean Prouvé’s 6×6 demountable house, known as Maison Démontable, within a newly designed garden at Ladbroke Hall in west London. This historical piece of prefabricated architecture now serves as the focal point of a 1,150-square-metre garden created by renowned landscape designer Luciano Giubbilei.

A Tribute to Historical Prefabricated Housing

Maison Démontable is an early model of the 6×6 demountable house that Jean Prouvé, the influential French architect, developed in the aftermath of World War II to provide shelter for those displaced by the conflict. Commissioned to deliver 800 units for the Lorraine and Franche-Comté regions of France, Prouvé’s design became a significant milestone in the evolution of prefabricated housing.

The 6×6 demountable house is distinguished by its innovative axial portal frame, which supports a modular system of wall and floor panels. This design not only simplified assembly but also enhanced the structure’s stability and durability. The name 6×6 refers to the house’s 36-square-metre floor plate, which originally provided three functional rooms.

Restoration and Modern Enhancements

Carpenters Workshop Gallery has carefully restored Maison Démontable, ensuring the preservation of its historical integrity while integrating modern comforts. The restoration includes the addition of a two-by-six-metre porch, new windows, and underfloor heating beneath revived parquet floors. These enhancements elevate the living standards of the structure without compromising its original design and aesthetic.

“These restorations were all done to elevate the level of comfort of the structure, without changing its overall design or appearance,” noted Carpenters Workshop Gallery. The result is a harmonious blend of Prouvé’s mid-century innovation with contemporary living standards.

The Garden: A Hidden Oasis in the City

Surrounding the Maison Démontable, Luciano Giubbilei has crafted a garden that serves as a serene and accessible retreat. Giubbilei, a Tuscan-born, London-based designer celebrated for winning the Chelsea Flower Show in 2014, applied his Italian design principles to create a landscape filled with hydrangeas, maple trees, and bamboo. This verdant oasis provides a tranquil environment that complements the historical significance of the house.

An Inviting Space for Public and Private Use

Maison Démontable is strategically positioned beside the dining terrace of Pollini, a new restaurant at Ladbroke Hall. The structure not only serves as a historical exhibit but also offers a unique private dining room for up to 18 people. With outdoor seating available for 50 diners, the house and its surrounding garden become an inviting space for both public enjoyment and exclusive events.

“The earlier models of Prouvé’s ‘demountable buildings’, including Maison Démontable, exemplify the initial stages of his soon-to-be revolutionary innovation in prefabricated housing,” said Carpenters Workshop Gallery. This statement underscores the house’s significance in the broader context of architectural history and innovation.

A Dynamic Venue for Art and Design

The unveiling of Maison Démontable coincides with the launch of three new exhibitions at Carpenters Workshop Gallery. These exhibitions include a group show titled “Monumental,” featuring works by Australian designer Charles Trevelyan, and the latest iteration of the Windy Chair series by British artist Yinka Shonibare. The gallery, which relocated to Ladbroke Hall in 2023, has transformed this west London arts venue into a dynamic hub for contemporary art and design.

Integrating History and Modernity

Maison Démontable’s presence at Ladbroke Hall is more than a tribute to Jean Prouvé’s legacy; it represents a seamless integration of history and modernity. The restored house, with its innovative design and modern enhancements, stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of Prouvé’s architectural philosophy. It also highlights the potential of prefabricated architecture to provide efficient and elegant solutions to contemporary housing challenges.

A Place to Inspire and Reflect

For Carpenters Workshop Gallery co-founder Loïc Le Gaillard, the garden’s design was partly inspired by a desire to create a space where he could play hide-and-seek with his children. This personal touch adds a layer of intimacy to the garden, making it a place not only for artistic appreciation but also for family enjoyment and personal reflection.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Innovation and Heritage

The unveiling of Maison Démontable at Ladbroke Hall is a celebration of architectural innovation and heritage. By restoring and showcasing this early model of Jean Prouvé’s demountable house, Carpenters Workshop Gallery and Luciano Giubbilei have created a unique space that honors the past while embracing the future. The garden and its historical centerpiece offer a tranquil and inspiring environment for visitors, reflecting the timeless appeal of Prouvé’s design and the enduring importance of thoughtful, sustainable architecture.