A repeated sequence of four volumes inscribed in a regular pattern

The ‘Villa Tranquille’ or ‘Quiet House’, designed by ARTELABO architecture is located on a tiny plot of land with a gorgeous view on the Hérault Valley in Saint-André-de-Sangonis, France. The overall geometry of the house is based on a repeated sequence of four volumes, inscribed in a regular pattern, enclosed within a peripheral wall, and organizing four courtyards within the dwelling.

Closed on three sides, the home is completely secret and entirely focused on the landscape. Its powerful contrast between its opaque and closed external appearance and the intensity of the light provided by courtyards, gives strength to its interior space. A wide fixed frame in the living room and a large opening in the last patio extend the house on the landscape.

All rooms of the house open on one, two or three courtyards, and because of transparency, on the view.  A system of sliding doors is widespread on the project. Their alignment create ‘enfilades’ above the panorama. The same flooring is used throughout the project, which creates confusion between the spaces of the house and those of the courtyards, which are real living rooms and extensions of the interior spaces.

Designed for a mediterranean lifestyle, the house can be opened and let to breathe day and night, and allows to be inside while being outside. It has a very white coating, a grid with reminiscent motifs of ‘moucharabieh’ and a secret entrance opening on a courtyard.

The house’s exterior basic shape refers to the archetypal image of the french ‘Provence’ villa. However, the project stands out clearly from the traditional procedure, through the way it deconstructs and recomposes the elements in a new and unexpectedly expressive way.

 

 

 

 

Design and info © ARTELABO architecture

Images © Marie-Caroline Lucat

More from Teodora Zapartan
LEGO House by BIG
The LEGO Group revealed the design of the experience center “The LEGO...
Read More
Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.