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This house, built on a steeply sloping greenfield site in the Tarn et Garonne region of south western France, is expressed in two distinct parts: a rubble limestone base containing a bedroom, pottery studio, shower and utility rooms below the main living and bedroom spaces enclosed in a chestnut clad timber frame.The Inflecting timber forms of the upper level are intended to respond to the approach, landscape and surrounding views. Vernacular materials and elements create a pragmatic aesthetic particular to place.
Essentially robust and low tech, the house is highly insulated and utilises the potential for passive heating and cooling, avoiding the need for air conditioning or mechanical ventilation.
The house incorporates: solar thermal panels for domestic hot water; rainwater harvesting for flushing wc’s and irrigation; a green roof; and uses locally sourced materials and labour.