Incredible transformation of this average house to stylish contemporary villa
“Sleek rectangular boxes which sit discreetly on the plot with truly spectacular views ”
the existing building - a jumbled mess of opposing roof pitches
Take a boring average villa in a unique elevated position. Add a transformative design and the result can be spectacular. This project demonstrates what is possible when an existing building is stripped down to its basic modular form and redesigned around a contemporary vision.
The original building in Provence constructed in the 1990’s and later extended was rather ugly but well built. There were a total of seven different roof pitches creating a jumbled mess of opposing roof lines. Not a nice building to look at. The objective was to increase the accommodation and renovate the existing building. Immediately we knew that creating even more pitched roof components was not an option. However, hiding below the surface of the original building was a design option just waiting to be liberated.
the building transformed into contemporary modern villa
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REDUCED to clean lines AND BIG VIEWS - VISUALISATION FROM THE CONCEPT MODEL
Clean lines and a simple approach
We quickly discovered that the ceiling of the existing building was actually a concrete floor platform in the attic above. This immediately created the opportunity to remove the roofs and gable walls and make a flat roof at reduced cost. A flat roof design concept became the core direction. Adding an extension reaching out into the land took advantage of the rising ground to create a split level.
A key element of the quality of this execution are the window and door units. Creating large openings to take advantage of the views and light was a critical component in the design execution. Where possible and budgets permitting we use Reynaers Aluminium, which is superior quality.
Demolishing the pitched roofs and gables and taking the existing building back to simple rectangular geometric blocks enabled us to develop a contemporary flat-roof design adding an extension. The extension benefits from cantilevered roof and the same lines of the cantilever were reflected through the existing building roofline. The extension incorporated the new kitchen, centralised in the house, and split level viewing salon which takes advantage of the sloping plot.
Terraces extend from the house with galvanised steel pergolas. The entire interior was redesigned with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, library, two salons, kitchen and dining area. The existing plastic pool was removed and replaced with a concrete pool. All of the demolitions spoils were kept onsite for final groundworks to save cost.
The result is a careful balance of two simple open rectangular boxes which sit discreetly on the plot with spectacular views from every window. Even the rear of the property, where the profile of the land cascades to close proximity to the windows were framed to create ‘paintings’ of natural garrigue from each window. The indigenous plants of iris tuberosa, pistacia lentiscus, euphorbia characias, sedum rupestre, French lavender, thyme, cistus creticus, Cistus monspeliensis, scabiosa, phlomis and quercus coccifera can almost be touched.
Modern lines, high quality Reynaers window and door units give this property a ‘zen’ like feel being simple yet connected to its surroundings.
Practical design insights:
Pitched roof converted to contemporary flat roof design
Split level salon taking advantage of land profile
High quality Reynaers panoramic windows and door units
Panoramic terraces with galvanised steel pergolas
Plastic pool replaced with concrete pool