Discover Ferdinand Fillod, an unsung hero in the evolution of prefabricated construction.
Ferdinand Fillod's Tropical Pavilion Shines at Terra Remota
Ferdinand Fillod, a lesser-known yet significant figure in modernist architecture, is currently having his work showcased at Terra Remota in Spain. Among his creations, the Tropical Pavilion, built in 1951, is a standout example of ingenious prefabricated design.
The Tropical Pavilion's main structure is composed of a series of steel arches, supporting slanted ribbed metal panels that are clipped and bolted for easy assembly. What sets this pavilion apart, however, is its double roof structure. This design enhances ventilation, as air flows between the two roofs and is propelled inside through trap doors in the lower one.
Measuring 90 sq m inside and 30 sq m outside in the shape of a terrace, the pavilion showcases Fillod's foresight in prefabricated architecture with modular, lightweight, and climate-adapted design elements. The pavilion's original prototype was created for the International Exhibition of Urbanism and Housing in Paris in 1947.
One particular Tropical Pavilion was found near Marseille, having served as offices for France Télécom for years and was in a poor state. Clement Cividino, who discovered the neglected pavilion, decided to restore it to its former glory and exhibit it at Terra Remota.
Terra Remota has previously played host to exceptional 20th-century structures, including a former Total gas station designed by Jean Prouvé, one of Georges Candilis's futuristic Hexacubes homes, and a house designed in 1969 by a Greek architect called Nikolaos Xasteros.
Fillod was a pioneer in prefabricated metal construction, predating and influencing figures like Jean Prouvé. He was born in the Jura region in France and founded the company Constructions Méttalliques Fillod. His company produced agricultural equipment and designs for prefabricated steel construction, shipping his designs internationally.
The Tropical Pavilion has been honored with the "20th-century Heritage" label by the French government, underscoring its architectural and historical value. Only nine versions of the Tropical Pavilion are believed to still exist today, making this exhibit at Terra Remota a rare opportunity to witness Fillod's innovative design.
In summary, Ferdinand Fillod's Tropical Pavilion is a testament to his early and innovative role in prefabricated metal architecture. Its elegant steel framework, modular ribbed panels, and sophisticated passive cooling double-roof system make it a standout piece in the field of modernist architecture.
The Tropical Pavilion's original prototype, designed by Ferdinand Fillod, was a shining example at the International Exhibition of Urbanism and Housing in Paris in 1947, showcasing his vision for a home-and-garden lifestyle with prefabricated, lightweight, and climate-adapted elements. At Terra Remota, this unique piece of 20th-century architecture invites visitors to immerse themselves in a lifestyle that blends modernist design with tropical splendor, offering a glimpse into Fillod's groundbreaking lifestyle concepts.
