In the small commune of La Perrière in Orne, France, industrial innovator Gaston Dreux created two extraordinary futuristic villas that stand as testament to his passion for both innovation and unconventional living. One of these remarkable structures, built for his partner and designed as a living work of art, features organic curves and a distinctive milky-white exterior that captivates visitors with its sculptural beauty.
Gaston Dreux, who made his fortune manufacturing prefabricated wooden-frame houses in the Perche region, had an enduring love for both houses and innovation. Despite producing conventional homes in series through his industrial operations, Dreux chose to live in highly original and contemporary dwellings that reflected his forward-thinking vision. After constructing one futuristic home for his son Pierre, he embarked on creating another striking residence for his last partner, also located in La Perrière.
The house immediately draws attention with its brilliant white exterior and flowing, rounded forms. Like a sculpture carved from dreams, the residence stands out dramatically against the traditional architectural landscape of the small Perche commune, yet it integrates seamlessly into the natural surroundings. This striking contrast between innovation and tradition perfectly embodies Dreux's vision of harmonizing modernity with nature.
This unique home served as the family residence for Gaston Dreux and his partner, where they raised two daughters: Valérie, born in 1970, and Bérengère, born five years later in 1975. Today, both women fondly remember growing up in this extraordinary house and have graciously shared their memories of life within its curved walls. The structure represents a dramatic departure from the conventional homes that rolled off the Dreux factory assembly lines during that era.
"Our father was inspired by architect Jacques Couëlle," explains Bérengère Dreux. "Particularly a house built in the south of France that looks very much like this one." The architectural influence traces back to Jacques Couëlle (1902-1996), a self-taught architect who dreamed of being an artist and found harmony in nature's forms rather than in the rigid right angles dictated by human convention. This unconventional approach to habitat design captivated the Perche industrialist.
According to Valérie, the construction took place in the late 1960s when their father's curiosity led him to discover similar architecture. "This house was built at the end of the 1960s," Valérie details. "Our father was curious about everything, and he had discovered a similar house in the Var region that had been constructed. He was completely seduced by it." The organic forms of the house also evoke comparisons to the work of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, creating an unexpected architectural surprise in the French countryside.
The house stands as a testament to concrete construction without a single angle, featuring flowing curves throughout its structure. Its pristine white complexion and organic architecture create a living sculpture that has been recently repainted to maintain its striking appearance. This architectural gem sits nestled in a verdant setting, surrounded by lush greenery that complements its natural, flowing design.
Gaston Dreux's architectural legacy extends throughout the village, with several houses remaining as testimonies to his innovative spirit. His eldest son Dany, who tragically died in a plane crash in 1970, had commissioned a beautiful thatched-roof house. His brother Pierre, before moving to his futuristic villa, lived in a house called "Vulcana," which still exists today, though its original patio has since been demolished by the young couple who now inhabits it.
"Our father had a very creative side," his daughters recall. "He was interested in everything, but above all, he loved modernity. He always waited for the latest camera or the newest camera equipment to come out so he could buy it. He loved technology. It doesn't surprise us at all that he was seduced by this type of architecture." This passion for innovation extended beyond architecture – Gaston Dreux even conducted studies to install a wind turbine on his house, always seeking the most avant-garde processes and technologies.
The villa represents more than just innovative architecture; it embodies the spirit of a man who constantly sought novelty and pioneering approaches to living. In the heart of the Perche region, where traditional architecture typically dominates the landscape, Dreux's organic villa continues to surprise visitors who encounter it nestled in the valley, serving as an enduring monument to creative vision and architectural boldness.
