France’s Museumotel is a Retro Retreat Complete With Bubbly Pod Homes!

France's bubbly <a href="http://www.museumotel.com">Museumotel</a> is a remarkable marvel of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/habitat-67-montreals-prefab-pixel-city/">retro architecture</a> that has been revitalized and re-opened in the 21st century. Nestled within the country's north-eastern woodland, the collection of curved, white pod structures resembles something out of a futuristic movie-set. Breaking away from traditional architecture, the structures are made using a “concrete veil” building technique that stacks layers of metal mesh, thermal insulation, and polystyrene, which is finally <a href="http://inhabitat.com/giant-shell-shaped-conch-house-made-from-local-materials/">sprayed with concrete</a>.

The interiors of the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/bubble-building-national-swim-center-in-beijing/">bubble houses</a> reflect their facades -- they consist of large circular rooms with curved doorways and arching staircases.

Situated on an island within a river, these concrete structures are only accessible by bridge and are surrounded by 41 acres of woods and a small artificial brook.

Pascal Hausermann designed the project in 1965 when he was asked to elaborate on his modular building ideas, which were practical yet distinguished themselves from regular grey cities.

Hausermann broke away from conformity and the rigid rules of architecture and was an advocate for alternative design and radical urban planning.

After a period of being closed down, sold, and then re-sold, the island-based complex reopened to the public several years ago under the new title of Museumotel.

The motel features innovative design techniques inside and out.

The pod-like structures are hidden amongst the trees.

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Plans for the original design.

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