The day and night spaces are organized around 2 perpendicular axes. The first materializes on the old stone wall that braces the original enclosure. This is covered with concrete and becomes a structuring element that integrates the fireplace, the staircase and a seat facing the Rhone Valley. The device extends outside to delimit the garden and the terrace to the south-west. Perpendicularly, the second axis develops with a series of wardrobes built in the thickness of the old west facade where one can retire behind a set of sliding curtains. The living space is clear and bright. It follows the slope of the site to offer a generous floor height at the level of the living room. At the rear, the water features act as a filter against the nuisances of the road. Openings are kept to a minimum to limit direct views and guarantee natural ventilation. The materiality is simple, raw and rational. A sanded screed coating unifies all the interior spaces. Outside, the concrete has been sandblasted to better dialogue with the texture of the roughcast and the existing stone. The perimeter of the windows is left smooth to highlight the openings and facilitate the evacuation of water away from the oak joinery. The whole is crowned by a folding of copper tinwork which highlights the mineral matter below and the heterogeneous shape of this new volume. the concrete was sandblasted to better dialogue with the texture of the roughcast and the existing stone. The perimeter of the windows is left smooth to highlight the openings and facilitate the evacuation of water away from the oak joinery. The whole is crowned by a folding of copper tinwork which highlights the mineral matter below and the heterogeneous shape of this new volume. the concrete was sandblasted to better dialogue with the texture of the roughcast and the existing stone. The perimeter of the windows is left smooth to highlight the openings and facilitate the evacuation of water away from the oak joinery. The whole is crowned by a folding of copper tinwork which highlights the mineral matter below and the heterogeneous shape of this new volume.

Text provided by the architect.

Against the grassy plains, the building presents as an interactive art sculpture made of rough and robust cuts. The house is laid with an angular and solid impermeable concrete floor and foundation, with walls made of expanded clay blocks that functions as insulation plastered in lime (as required by the building regulations). An external ladder is attached beside the main entrance, inviting observations of nature from above. The neutrality of the external palette is carried internally. However, Chavepayre divided the studio’s public and private programs with a habitable timber wall concealing a mezzanine – a cheeky solution to adding additional space due to size restrictions. The ground floor presents an open living area with kitchen bordering the walls. The timber partition hides guest area with a sleeping nook nestled into the thick wall, along with studio space, a toilet and a shower. The separation also disguises a staircase with an elongated landing and a throne-like bathtub (which peeks towards the landscape or into the living space) with bookshelves tucked on the surfaces. Upstairs lies the couple’s private quarters – a bedroom, balcony for birds, and an aqua-blue tiled bathroom with ocean views. Throughout, sightlines of each space are oriented to allow the landscape to consume the house. No partition becomes a missed opportunity.

At Birgitta’s insistence, the house is orientated closely towards a near-forgotten road, becoming a gatehouse between the public and private garden. In the warmer months, the house’s transparent facades punctured along the external walls dissolves to expanding the garden into a gathering space. In colder seasons, the couple retreats inside and operate within the timber vessel. It’s no surprise Collectif Encore was awarded the Kasper Salin award for the simplicity in Hamra’s design, ensuring that the most minute details are functional and immaculate. A simple kiss between the timber and stone in the stair details; being precise with the alignment of views towards the horizon; and the lime canvas façade capturing the sunset orange speckling through the tree’s silhouette – Hamra is methodically playful and poetic at each turn.

Text provided by the architect.