PHOTOS BY Agnes Clotis

The extension project of a stone house, located downtown in Bordeaux, is part of the thoughts on how to build a new layer in an 18th century mineral context.

The project is looking for a dialogue with the existing house and the neighbouring buildings. It’s based on the existing framings and the respect of the protected houses next door. The extension barely touches their edges but stay behind, allowing the reading of their shapes.

PHOTOS BY Agnes Clotis

PHOTOS BY Agnes Clotis

PHOTOS BY Agnes Clotis

Being in contrast, the extension is composed of wood beams on which a full frame glass façade is set. Looking for simplicity and humility in front of the stone buildings, cladding materials are here used as less as possible.

On the back, the thoughts are the same. The new space, that is housing a covered terrace extending the new bedroom, is made with the same wood beams that support the roof overhang. Some raw wood planks are hiding the neighbouring views and allow some privacy to this outer nest.

Building a wood extension in a mineral context is also an efficient way to put new weight on a stone house and to reduce the number of contractors on site. On the inside, every floor is hosting a function. The new master bedroom, nest on the last floor, behind the wood beams, is opened on both side of the building and bathed by a soft light. It’s a favored place allowing some views of the stone context and the park’s treetops not far away from the house.

PHOTOS BY Agnes Clotis

PHOTOS BY Agnes Clotis

PHOTOS BY Agnes Clotis

PHOTOS BY Agnes Clotis

PHOTOS BY Agnes Clotis

PHOTOS BY Agnes Clotis

PHOTOS BY Agnes Clotis

PHOTOS BY Agnes Clotis