Oppidum/ Marc Prigent
Underground cities, underground houses attached to aboveground houses, bunkers, shelters, even cultures within cities, have existed with us for millennia. But for millennia, we are the only civilization whose true apocalypse, whether natural or man-made, is reason enough to build substantial settlements beneath the earth. soil. Now, a company called Oppidum, has gone a step further – in creating multimillion-dollar luxury subterranean sanctuaries, whose costs typically range from $40 million to $100 million. la and above.
Communication Oppidum/IBP
Oppidum is a company that creates fortified subterranean residences and recently unveiled its new L’ Heritage range, for those who need a balance between security and luxury living, regardless of lifestyle. tell what’s going on on earth. Designed by French architect Marc Prigent, his design intent was to provide a safe place for UHNW individuals in what the brand calls an unprecedented era.
Oppidum’s subterranean residences, unlike old bunkers, bomb shelters and crypts, offer complete residential and business environments, measuring over 10,000 square feet. Additionally, the residences can be customized with the option of choosing add-ons such as a private art gallery, a garage large enough to house the owner’s car collection, meeting rooms, Indoor garden and spa with private pool.
BUT no matter how elite the art or garden amenities, the reason for these residences is security. The entrance provides fortified blast doors, controlled by a multi-biometric device that simultaneously scans the face, iris, palm and fingerprint, so only the owner and others are indicated. new to be able to enter. In addition, all residences are equipped with an integrated security system with military-grade protection.
Recently, JustLuxe spoke with French architect Marc Prigent about the design and meaning of these unique, highly secure residences. We are very grateful for your time with us.
Communication Oppidum/IBP
JustLuxe: Have you ever architected a project like Oppidum before? Please explain your background and how do you see the Oppidum project defining sanctuary as well as security?
Mr. Prigent: The idea of designing an underground residence is something I never thought of. My experience involves working with five star hotels like the design with Four Seasons Paris and many other luxury hotels where we create high end interiors.
All of Oppidum’s subterranean living spaces are composed of extremely large volumes of space, with innovative layouts and spatial functions. For example, my Futurist design for Oppidum is a modern castle with a minimalist, modern approach defined by smooth shapes, bright whites, and peaceful, quiet areas. Initially, we divided the space into four different sections with a public area for business, a private area for the family, an expansive art gallery, and a fourth area containing all the components. techniques needed to keep the home running optimally.
We are the only builder of underground living spaces serving this premium market. The level of luxury, design and construction only makes sense to certain people. Oppidum balances the highest level of comfort with the highest level of security.
Communication Oppidum/IBP
JustLuxe: In the video, there’s a garden that looks like it’s underground. How is this done without sunlight?
Mr. Prigent: At Oppidum, we had to design a complete atmosphere to create a comfortable feeling in every room. Lighting technology is key to our success as we give our customers an open, open feeling, exactly like their everyday terrestrial surroundings.
Indirect lighting from the ceiling is used. And the second light is the porch, there is an artificial skylight used to create the feeling of day and night. Using the same man-made skylight, Oppidum also weaves seasonally through the courtyard through our display. Not every day is the same, so there must be a variation in the display to create comfort and establish a sense of normalcy. The complexity of the lighting design in each room is remarkable. Each space has its own specific requirements designed to change over the course of a 24-hour period.
JustLuxe: How long can Oppidum habitat or sanctuary sustain itself, electronically, as well as in terms of food and water?
Mr. Prigent: Hidden technology that sustains life underground is housed in a suite of technical rooms. The main systems operate fully automatically, without human intervention, with redundant circuits deploying immediately. Oppidum has two independent air filters. The main unit is designed for normal use in peacetime; The secondary unit is a military-grade chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) system. Oppidum is completely airtight and airtight and can be completely isolated from outside air if needed. Unique high-pressure air reserve and internal circulation allow occupants to breathe normally and safely for up to a month.
The air filter is equipped with a CO2 removal system; In combination with an auxiliary oxygen supply, this provides breathable air when there is insufficient or no fresh air entering the building. Water is supplied from deep underground by a private well, completely independent of the public supply. In the event of a power failure, power failure or instability in
grid, the power system seamlessly transitions to one of many safe alternative energy sources, including twin diesel generators and backup batteries. Applying NASA’s thinking and technology, the food storage is long but very nutritious, enough for many months, even years; Separate medical room with its own secure storage for essential medical supplies.
Communication Oppidum/IBP
JustLuxe: In the video there is also a part of the house that can be used as a private art gallery. How is the medium containing the art, in terms of temperature, maintained?
Mr. Prigent: With the collection and preservation of works of art often at the heart of Oppidum customers, the Futuristic model serves multiple purposes. First, the Futurist protects its clients while preserving one-of-a-kind pieces in the setting of a modern art gallery below the house. Oppidum brings bank-grade security to a vault in a special space specifically designed to properly display, light, and preserve each work and object.
It is combined with advanced technologies including explosion-proof, airtight, off-grid power, temperature control and other technologically advanced devices that protect customers from anything in the world, including even protecting these delicate works of art.
JustLuxe: In terms of complete security, how deep must this environment be built into the ground, this safe reserve, and how long does it take to build one?
Mr. Prigent: Every Oppidum project must respect the geological condition, location, size and many other factors on the client’s property. As for the size, it depends on the model chosen by the customer (eg L’Heritage Model requires at least 3 000 square meters) With this in mind, we work with each customer to design no their ideal space by taking the location, size, and fit into consideration before construction. Building an Oppidum can take around 3 to 5 years with the involvement of a team with decades of experience building and transforming each Oppidum into a new luxury sanctuary.
Communication Oppidum/IBP
JustLuxe: Is there any place, in terms of water level or soil erosion, where Oppidum conservation cannot be built? What is the ideal area for an apartment to be built?
Mr. Prigent: Local geological and hydrological conditions also have a major impact on the design and construction of each Oppidum, so many surveys are conducted in the early stages of the project to ensure it is suitable for construction. . If the land is unsafe to build one of these underground settlements, Oppidum will not begin the construction process. There is no real “ideal area” for an Oppidum residence from a geographical point of view. We work with our customers to identify their combination of wants and needs, and then go from there.
Communication Oppidum/IBP
JustLuxe: What is your housing price?
Mr. Prigent: The price of an Oppidum design depends mainly on factors such as location, size and fit. Oppidum offers models that cost around $10 million, while the new Futurist design costs around $40 million. For customers who want to add other custom elements in terms of layout, unique requirements such as large garage space, art galleries, vault rooms, etc., prices will continue to rise. Our L’Heritage model has a price tag of around $100 million due to the level of detail and sheer luxury that goes into the design. No other company offers the same level of meticulous design and customization work as Oppidum, which is reflected in the price.
JustLuxe: What’s your next project?
Mr. Prigent: The Futurist model is Oppidum’s latest evolution and will be a truly one-of-a-kind residence. It’s basically a modern castle built as an underground fortress to keep out uninvited guests. It has a more minimalist design than the L’Heritage model, which is aimed at luxury and equipped with as many amenities as possible. It’s interesting how different clients want different things from their living spaces, and Oppidum aims to tailor each underground residence to each specific client.
