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The Forest House

A symphony of light and shadow amidst the woods - where heritage meets modernity.

Architecture, Interior

Noisy-sur-École, France

Area - 180m²

Nestled in the embrace of Noisy-sur-Ecole's verdant landscape, The Forest House stands as a testament to architectural reverence for nature. This extension project, on a strictly regulated site, shows a delicate interweaving of old and new that breathes contemporary life into a traditional dwelling without disturbing the melody of its woodland surroundings.

En cours...

From the outset, the project was envisioned as a natural continuation of the original structure. Its architectural syntax—double-pitched roofs and the tranquil language of wood cladding—is preserved and articulated with modern dialects.

The new extension, accessible from the existing mezzanine, unfolds as an organic growth, adding a bedroom and a bathroom, nestled between the roofs without aspiring to overshadow them.

Demolitions were approached with surgical precision, removing parts of the old to make way for the new. The delicate dance of deconstruction and reconstruction was guided by the intent to let the original home's soul breathe through the new timber addition.

Spaces are defined both by walls and by the quality of light and views they frame, with a particular emphasis on connecting the indoors with the surrounding outdoors.

It is an architectural expression that respects its past, engages with the present, and continues to weave a story that can be felt as much as it can be seen, creating a living experience that truly resonates with its woodland setting.

The façade, a canvas of charred wood, stands as a testament to the passage of time, blending with the hues of the earthen floor and the forest's understorey.

The home's heart—a living area with soaring glazed facade—presents an airy cathedral to nature, where the lines between the built and the natural blur.

Inside, the spatial choreography is an ode to light and texture. The main living area, crowned by expansive windows, allows the landscape to take center stage, with natural light becoming an ever-present guest.

The arrangement of bespoke joinery is minimal yet intimate, encouraging gatherings and quiet reflection alike. Each element is carefully designed as both functional and a spatial divider.

The interior unfolds in a balance of contrasts. Concrete floors anchor the lower spaces in their sturdiness, while the soft grain of wooden parquet upstairs offers a warm counterpoint. The walls, dressed in a soft matte finish, provide a quiet backdrop contributing to the overall sense of harmony.

The bathrooms serve as a testament to modern functionality blended with sensory pleasure —a spa-like ambiance that echoes the natural environment.

The home's fixtures, and finishes are selected with an eye towards creating a space that is both utilitarian and soothing.

The Forest House project serves as a bridge between past craftsmanship and present design sensibilities.

It is an exploration of texture, a place where rough and smooth, organic and man-made coalesce to create an environment that not only appeals to the eye but also to the sense of touch

In the evenings, the house's glow offers a soft counterpoint to the forest, while during the day, it stands as a serene observatory of the vibrant ecosystem around it.

The Forest House is a place of pause, a dwelling that honors its heritage while embracing the clarity of modern design. It's an architectural whisper in the woods, a place where light, space, and form come together to write a poem dedicated to the art of living harmoniously with nature.