The farmhouse is located on the outskirts of a village in the South of France. It recently got a clumsy renovation that actually deformed the whole space and it started appearing to be more unproportionate than before. Even the owners of this place started to miss that homely feeling as the farmhouse lost its classical architecture touch.
Space Issue and Poor Proportions
The living spaces of the farmhouse were poorly proportioned. Moreover, many small windows did not allow much access to the outside view. The view of expansive green lawns was missing and there was a feeling of shortness of breath. The space was long and narrow, typical of the farmhouse layout with significantly low ceilings. Scale and proportions of the building required readjustment.
Addition of Two Extended Areas in the Farmhouse
However, two extensions have now been added to the farmhouse to make the pre-existing space more spacious and more functional. This has also created a beautiful central courtyard which is full of green. The two extended areas – the living room and the kitchen – highlight spaces and improves the purpose of each room. In addition, the large glazing windows also help the house blend with the surrounding garden and in revealing more greenery.
Connecting Indoors with Outdoors
The contemplative central patio faces the house entry, set between indoors and outdoors – it unites the two and maximizes in light and scale. Moreover, the newly added spaces help interiors in creating height and capture better views of the vast surrounding landscape or indoor courtyard.
As for materiality, the art of dry-stone walling was used for the two extensions. This is a traditional technique of South of France so, that was used to preserve the local architecture and avoiding commonly used standard materials too. This construction work is a sleek take on a classic vernacular form totally reinvented with sophistication.
Increased Natural light, better ventilation and smart shading design pattern
Large facade openings have been designed. However, the south side requires shading devices. The metal-clad shutters and pergolas and their graphic design are an essential part of the project identity. The design and density of the repeating pattern provide thermal performance to the metal sunshades and allow for natural ventilation.
Besides, the decorative value of the perforated metal pattern constantly creates different and vibrant shadows. All these metallic elements are of a deliberately neutral shade for a tone on tone effect with the dry stone of the facades. This neutral color palette unveils an extraordinary architecture, both elegant and impressive.
Minimalist Style and the Staircase with hidden storage
The custom-made furniture is arranged in the minimalist living space. The utilitarian items are tucked away; only to reveal what needs to be seen. The original staircase adorns a light wooden surface that encompasses the clever use of under-stair space with wisely hidden storage for the entry section.
The space as a whole has been imagined and designed to find homogeneity where aesthetics and utility harmoniously coexist.
About the Architectural firm – Maca Architecture
Maca Architecture is an architectural firm based in the South of France that adapts its methodology to the unique requirements of each project and always building a strong identity. The explorative practice is guided by a commitment to push creative boundaries and pays meticulous attention to every detail in a sensitive manner.
Maya Brudieux has lived in Rotterdam and Saint-Jean du-Gard and Camille Morcrette in Montreal and Marseille. Their work is tinted of modernity and is aiming to find a subtle balance between radicalness and surrealism.
FACT SHEET
Location: Saint-Clement-de-Riviere, South of France
Completion Date: August 2018
Dimension: 970 sq.ft. (Surface Area)
Photo Credit: Aurélien Aumond
