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Petit Bayle

MELD, Tarn et Garonne, 2008

 

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Vernacular materials and elements create a pragmatic aesthetic particular to place 

Tim Crocker     Download Original

  • Vernacular materials and elements create a pragmatic aesthetic particular to place    
  • Vernacular materials and elements create a pragmatic aesthetic particular to place    
  • The rubble stone walls are typical of this part of France as are timber shuttered windows and sliding galvanised steel doors on local farm buildings    
  • The rubble stone walls are typical of this part of France as are timber shuttered windows and sliding galvanised steel doors on local farm buildings    
  • Built on a steeply sloping greenfield site    
  • Petit Bayle at dusk    
  • At the lower level the ceilings and internal face of the external walls are faced in lime render with timber lined window seats created in the deep reveals    
  • At the lower level the ceilings and internal face of the external walls are faced in lime render with timber lined window seats created in the deep reveals    
  • Internally the walls and ceiling to the upper level are lined in OSB    
  • Internally the walls and ceiling to the upper level are lined in OSB    
  • Site plan    
  • Ground floor plan    
  • First floor plan    
  • Section    
  • Early sketch    

Ecological minded house built on a steeply sloping greenfield site in south-west France

The house 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.

Designed to be 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 toilets and irrigation; a green roof; and uses locally sourced materials and labour.

Data

  • Begun: Feb 2007
  • Completed: 2008
  • Floor area: 265m2
  • Sector: House
  • Total cost: £237,000
  • Procurement: signed Devi (priced bill of quantities)
  • Address: Petit Bayle, Tarn et Garonne, 82, France

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