This project converted an old farmhouse into a summer house for a family of four. The concept was to keep as much as possible of the old structure while adapting it to its new use. Discrete interventions on the internal fittings and use of rugged materials with a natural appearance allows for a gentle preservation of the initial appearance of the building and its annex.
The house is divided in three distinct zones, one public area with a kitchen, dining and living room, the children’s rooms and play area, and the parents’ bedroom and bathroom. The public zone constitutes the link between the parents’ area and the children’s. The existing structure underwent a large transformation with installation of floor heating, insulation of all ceilings and walls, and window additions. The windows have generous proportions and are positioned on key points to frame the surrounding landscape. On the ground floor, five glass doors allow for multiple choices of access into the garden. An opening between the first and second floor adds a generous celling height in the dining room and also connects the two levels visually. The old hen house was transformed into an independent guest room equipped with a bathroom. All indoor carpentry, doors, kitchen elements, wardrobes, and shelves were built in massive oak by a local craftsman.