An aerial view reveals a reflecting pool at the center of another courtyard and nearby swimming pool.Photo: Iwan BaanNow nearing completion, the design includes a large rain-fed underground cistern as a cooling system and a series of cloister-like courtyards, protected from the fierce Mistral wind. One core material is pis, an orange clay found on-site, compacted and layered in bandsa construction practice used for centuries throughout the Rhne Valley. We wanted to build something like the Romans built, that will last for centuries, Grgo said. Elsewhere, the team mixed excavated pebbles and sand with rubble recycled from demolished warehouses to create a kind of local concrete. Both interior and exterior stucco were also made from materials on the land. No truck came in and no truck left, Jain said.A Michael Anastassiades alabaster pendant hangs above bespoke furnishings by Studio Mumbai.Photo: Iwan BaanBritish landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith planted dry gardens that require little water and are resistant to the regions high summer temperatures. (In one courtyard, he created an olive grove for the Perrins to make their olive oil.) Furnishings are equally eco-responsible, with bamboo seating by Studio Mumbai and plush carpets that were handwoven by Japanese textile designer Chiaki Maki out of wild raw silk, whether natural or dyed with bark.Honor de Balzac said, The mission of art is not to copy nature but to represent it, Franois PerrinMarguerite and Jacquess son, still involvedtold Grgo, as they stood in the olive grove, taking in the estate. I think this project expresses nature. familleperrin.comThis story appears in ADs April issue. Never miss a story when you subscribe to AD.