- Project: Le Pine
- Architect: SAOTA
- Location: France, Saint Tropez
- Year: 850
- Area: 2021 m2
- Photography: Adam Letch
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Saint Tropez, France, Le Pine by SAOTA reinterprets the architectural spirit of the Mediterranean Riviera through a bold, contemporary lens. Conceived as a family summer residence, this private villa liberates itself from traditional typologies and embraces a modern, lifestyle-focused approach rooted in form, light, and connection to nature.
A Site Inspired by the Pines
Situated on a long, narrow plot that backs onto a serene pine forest, the villa was inspired by the site’s volumetric beauty beneath the pine canopies. “We wanted to amplify that feeling of spaciousness,” notes SAOTA Director Phillippe Fouché, the lead architect on the project.
The layout is organized between two rectilinear wings that frame a central courtyard. These volumes contain private bedroom spaces and the kitchen/dining area, while the heart of the home—a dramatic double-height entertainment space—rests between them, capped by a sculptural folded timber roof.
Sculpted Roof, Seamless Flow
This expressive floating roof, made of raw planked timber, references both the texture of pine trees and the terraced landscape. Structurally, its folded form enables a 12-meter column-free span, enhancing the openness of the central living area. Cavity sliding doors throughout the house further dissolve boundaries, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor space.
The home is positioned at the rear of the site, allowing the terraced living spaces and cascading central pool to step down towards the horizon, creating elongated sightlines that emphasize perspective and space. The martini ledge and pool form a sculptural water feature that connects levels while drawing the eye through the landscape.
Materiality and Regional Resonance
Along the eastern façade, SAOTA nods to local traditions with heavy, thick walls and a solid, fortress-like appearance. But in a contemporary twist, these walls are elevated and lightened—floating slightly above the ground—and feature only small openings. This solid entry contrasts with the light-filled interior revealed upon passing through the understated pivot door, creating a moment of architectural drama.
Inside, the villa evokes a gallery-like space. Clerestory windows and strategically placed apertures bring natural light from above, illuminating travertine floors, concrete soffits, and dark marble feature walls. The finishes, carefully selected for their earthy tones and textural richness, reinforce the home’s deep connection to its natural hillside setting.
Light, Landscape, and Modern Luxury
The material palette transitions from darker stone at the back—adding visual depth—to lighter, vein-cut travertine toward the front, aligning with the sunlit terraces. Frameless openings provide curated views of the pine canopy and surrounding courtyards, fostering a deep sense of immersion in nature.
“Wherever we could, we tried to drop light into the volumes,” says Fouché. “The house responds to the site and landscape in every dimension.”
A New Vision for the Riviera
Le Pine is a modern Mediterranean retreat that brings SAOTA’s Cape Town-born indoor-outdoor living ethos to the South of France. While deeply rooted in Saint Tropez’s architectural vernacular, the home boldly pushes forward, offering a new architectural language for the French Riviera.
