Originally, the request concerned the extension of a dwelling in continuity with the ground floor. In order to preserve the soil and avoid sprawl, we decided to work on the project in elevation.
Studio Name: Bancaù Architectes
Design Team: Maxime Bergeret, Mélanie Romeo, Marion Sebbane, Gaël Sellier
Area: 32,50sqm extension. 50sqm renovation
Year: 2021
Location: Biot
Photography Credits: ©Bancaù Architectes
The extension then literally comes to rest on the existing volumes, giving the sensation of a levitating box instead of an unused terrace.
The project is simple, mineral and raw. It assumes its radicality through a large horizontal 8m long window, without finding itself in contradiction with the existing construction.
On site, the maritime pines provide a majestic backdrop both in the close and far landscape.
From the inside, the frame created by the concrete structure set back from the facade offers a breathtaking view of the Biotois valley.
The concrete frame setback provide a simple and rational response for summer comfort since no sunlight will be able to penetrate inside during the hottest hours of the day. Natural ventilation is from the large horizontal to the south towards a skylight opening onto the sky, so the warmer interior air rises and naturally takes this roof outlet.
The maritime pine plywood form panels let the flames of the wood appear, with an indelible imprint, engraved on all the walls and resonating with the greenery context.
Throughout the day, the interaction between the surrounding vegetation and the sun creates a play of shadow and light on the mineral walls.
