Photography by Linus Ricard, courtesy of Septembre Architecture.
The challenge: to convert an old farm dwelling in the Loire into a modern, light-filled summer home—with minimal intervention. French firm Septembre Architecture accomplished the brief by executing subtle and discrete interventions: major overhaul not necessary.
After
In the kitchen, new materials are introduced through the light wood cabinets, open shelving, and a concrete floor.
In the living area, by opening up the ceiling to the full height of the house, the architects were able to create a mezzanine level.
Vestiges of the original construction can be seen in the wood ceiling lintels.
The original stone fireplace.
On the mezzanine, the simple, lightweight detailing of the metal rails contrasts with the heavy wood beams and stone walls of the original house.
The exposed beams are celebrated in the sparsely decorated bedroom.
The existing roofline in an upstairs bedroom is left intact.
The silhouette of the door follows the roofline.
In the bathroom, double sinks stand on a welded-steel custom vanity.
From the exterior, there is nothing to suggest the modern renovation on the interior.
The farmhouse sits comfortably in the context of its surrounding village.
The original exposed beams and stone floor.
Before
In progress, painterly light included.
Looking toward the garden.