Family
In Malmousque, the Seaside Terrace House of a Multi-talented Entrepreneur
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Christophe Juville and Matteo, 22 years old
Once doesn’t make it a custom! The Socialite Family invites you to visit the home of one of the most enthusiastic ambassadors of the Phoenician city, the multi-talented entrepreneur Christophe Juville. No longer able to resist the call of the sea, the founder of Spok Cantines de Chef, Lolo restaurants and Figure, his very latest address, left his Corniche Kennedy flat to be near the waves of Malmousque. A move so that he could be as “close to the water” as possible, which made sense to the Marseillais who was looking for a property with an outdoor space where he could enjoy the sea at any time of the day. Whether at night, lulled by the sound of the waves, or during the day, on the rooftop terrace scanning the horizon! And because in the Juville family, entertaining is as necessary as the sea air, this family man has redesigned – with the help of architect Jérémy Chaillou – the space around another hotspot garnering his attention: the kitchen. The ultimate fantasy of its owner, it’s covered in a colourful mosaic which ingeniously reflects the bronze mirrored wall of his work space. Illuminated by the setting sun, it radiates from its edges to cover the entire the living room from floor to ceiling. A touch of beauty that surprises the eye as much as his selection of furniture. Designer pieces – such as his Pierre Paulin sofa – are mixed with humorous creations – like the Phallus lamp from Axel Chay – selected from designer friends, themselves also from the area. A setting in which the JFK à la Mer dining room table takes part, a piece which was “directly inspired by the house and designed for the occasion” by Atelier Calcaire. It’s yet another project for the forty-year-old who never hesitates to think outside the box to contribute, in his own way, to the creative life of this vibrant metropolis! Interview.
Location
Marseille
Author
Juliette Bruneau
Photos and videos
Valerio Geraci
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TSF
Christophe, for those who don’t know you, can you introduce yourself, please?
Christophe
I’m Christophe Juville, and I’m 46 years old. I have two children, and I love them to pieces.
TSF
What has happened since we last saw you?
Christophe
Since our last meeting, we’ve opened a dozen Spok Chef’s Cantines, the Lolo Bistro (based on the success of the dining cellar) on rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, in Paris and Figure, a dining bar located at 90 boulevard Vauban in Marseille. And we have many more cool projects in the pipeline!
TSF
You have just moved into this new place a few doors down from your previous apartment. How did this come about?
Christophe
What I missed about my old apartment was outside space. In this new house – which I found thanks to a friend – I have a small terrace and a rooftop with a superb sea view. But what I wanted most was to be even closer to the water! And I think we can say I’ve managed that. I have direct access to a small cove which is just in front! This house is in the Malmousque district, which is more lively and dynamic than where I was before. One of the best market gardeners in Marseille, L’Orangeraie, and all the other food shops can be found here.
TSF
Have you started any work on it? If so, what are you doing?
Christophe
Yes, quite a lot of work! We worked with my architect, Jérémy Chaillou, to redo almost everything. The round-arched windows define the façade a little more (thanks to Sophie Arnoux, who was responsible for this choice). Fillets and rounded edges throughout the house are details that make the space even nicer to live in, and provide a more delicate background for the light.
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This house is in the Malmousque district, which is more lively and dynamic than where I was before.
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TSF
As in your previous interior, you have taken particular care over the look of the kitchen. Why is this?
Christophe
The idea was to put the kitchen at the centre of the design! It’s in the path of the sun so at every sunset it becomes incredibly atmospheric. The coloured light from it is reflected throughout the house by the mirrors above the worktop. So the interior becomes filled with the light from outside, and the barriers disappear. This is why the mosaic outside is spread over the walls, floor and ceilings.
TSF
Where did you get your inspiration for this one?
Christophe
Italy! We found our inspiration there for the choice of colours for the walls, the façade and the curved edges scattered throughout the house. All those details that make the space even nicer to live in, and provide a more delicate background for the light. As if we were in the south of Italy in a holiday home – it’s a dream come true!
TSF
We can also see a dining room table from Atelier Calcaire, a partnership run with the architect Jérémy Chaillou. This time, it calls for ‘sit-down’ dinners and structures part of the space. What made you choose that?
Christophe
I felt like going back to sit-down dinners again! The JFK table by the sea is a piece directly inspired by the house and designed for it. A generous limestone top in travertine that can accommodate large family gatherings, and flamed legs to match the bronze colours of the mirrors.
TSF
How did you furnish the rest of the apartment?
Christophe
So far I’ve just bought the Pierre Paulin sofa in the living room and some other new items from friends. I am thinking in particular of the Franca vases, Axel Chay‘s phallus… Other pieces are in transit! (Laughs)
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Italy was a source of inspiration for the choice of colours for the walls, the façade and the curved edges scattered throughout the house.
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TSF
Outside space is a great novelty for you. A terrace and a roof terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. What does it do for you, what does it change for you?
Christophe
It’s a radical change! I have a lot of barbecues with my friends whenever I am in Marseille. These outside spaces give you an inexplicable feeling – you can’t imagine it until you experience them: the sound of the waves at night, morning coffee looking out at the sea on the terrace…
TSF
Restaurant openings, your first exhibition, the release of a book featuring your photographs and with words by journalist and author Lisa Vignoli: your projects are as varied as they are numerous. Have we forgotten anything?
Christophe
Yes, it’s a project that’s close to my heart because it’s a place that I’ve been taking pictures of for years and that I’m very attached to. Lisa is talented and so thoughtful! The opening of my exhibition at Eotia Galerie in Marseille took place on 12 July. Lauriane, the owner, is passionate about photography. Finally, earlier on, I mentioned the opening of Figure, our new dining bar in Marseille, and the Lol’hotel if all goes well! (Laughs)
TSF
How do you manage all this, and is there anything else you want to do?
Christophe
I want too much, and that’s the problem! My office (and my CEO, among others) is constantly holding me back because I tend to accept whatever projects are offered to me. (Laughs)
TSF
What would be your latest favourites, in Marseille or elsewhere?
Christophe
In Paris, the restaurant Clarence where I recently had a blast. I also discovered a place called Tombées du camion at the Saint-Ouen flea market, where you can find a wide range of very elegant refurbished lighting. In Marseille, Le Belge. Mainly for the notion of getting there by boat in the late afternoon, watching the sunset, having a drink on the boat and eating on the beach (the best time is Sunday evening). And l’Auberge du Corsaire – Chez Paul, for the promise of fresh fish caught just a few metres away in a dream setting, and no, this isn’t marketing!
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Christophe's favorite spots
Jogging for a fresh lunch on the patio
Tuba Club, in the calanques morning, noon, and night
Chez Cécile in Malmousque to grab a picnic and head to the port
Ippon, voted the best restaurant in Marseille!
The Alexis Pentchedd Gallery for its curation of admirable works and objects
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