Pralin

Viewed from the street, the Villa Muller is a white cubical mass perforated by small, irregularly spaced windows. The house is dramatically situated into the slope overlooking several garden terraces and the main boulevard on the north side of the house. The south entrance is the highest point of the property with a sloping driveway that runs parallel to the residential street and wraps around the south and west facades of the building before reaching the garage at the basement level of the house. Each fa<;ade has an irregular arrangement of windows, niches, terraces, and doors. The severe exterior does not suggest the luxurious and lively settings to be found within its white, stucco walls. Access to the house is gained by passing through the gate facing the quiet, residential street to the south side of the house. It is only after one passes through the wooden gate that separates the public street from the private property and starts to walk down the sloped driveway, that the entry niche becomes visible. The entryway and bench are sheathed in travertine and set into the fa<;ade of the building, and remains unseen from the street level. The camel colored travertine provides the visitor with the first indication of the lush materials found within and contrasts with the white walls, creating a sense of warmth that draws the visitor towards the entrance and into the house. Through the utilization of travertine for the entry alcove, Loos creates a transition between the reserved exterior and the colorful interiors.