The ability to blend form and function is often a challenge that separates the remarkable from the mundane. Brengues Le Pavec Architects, a visionary design firm, has artfully tackled this challenge with their breathtaking project: a house that deftly weaves full volumes with voids, creating a dynamic living space on a narrow plot. This house is a testament to their ingenuity, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in architectural design. Please read more below.
Embracing Emptiness: A Delicate Balance
Located on a slender piece of land, the house is a superposition of full volumes on a reading of emptiness. The architects chose to craft the structure with poured concrete, giving it a monolithic and timeless quality. But it’s their ingenious approach to volume that truly sets this house apart.
On the ground floor, the architects took a bold step by asserting emptiness within the volume itself. The result is a generous expanse of glazing that breaks the boundaries between inside and outside. It’s not just about bringing the outside in; it’s about creating the notion of living outside. The design thoughtfully enlarges the visual field toward the garden, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors, and inviting the beauty of nature to become a part of the living experience.
Overhangs and Layers: A Dance of Shadows and Light
The upper floor, occupied by the bedrooms, cleverly overhangs the ground floor. This not only provides sun protection but also offers a sheltered terrace, a space for summer lunches, and outdoor enjoyment. In this innovative design, the line between interior and exterior becomes delightfully blurred.
One of the most remarkable features of the house is the seamless integration of a summer kitchen, which extends the culinary experience beyond the confines of the interior space. A system of clear, removable wooden channels allows residents to control the light and ventilation within the rooms on the façade. Positioned flush with the concrete, this device emphasizes the monolithic nature of the upper floor’s volume.
The Elegance of Inward Design
Inside the house, a long wall at the back of the stage serves as a structural focal point, organizing the space with grace. Double heights and strategically positioned skylights add to the ambiance, filling the kitchen and living room with soft, diffused natural light. The play of light and shadows, combined with the stunning architecture, creates an enchanting and ever-changing atmosphere throughout the day.
In conclusion, Brengues Le Pavec architects have accomplished something truly extraordinary with this house. It’s not just a residence; it’s a work of art in its own right. The architects’ ability to create a seamless connection between the interior and exterior spaces, while maintaining a sense of privacy and comfort, is a testament to their vision and skill. This project stands as an inspiring example of what can be achieved when architects dare to think outside the box, pushing the boundaries of architecture and design. It’s a celebration of light, space, and the delicate dance between the two, and it will undoubtedly continue to inspire architects and homeowners alike for years to come.
All images © by Zoé Chaudeurge and Brengues Le Pavec Architects. Don’t hesitate to find other inspiring architecture and interior design projects from all over the world on WE AND THE COLOR.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
