Share to
La Meunerie Urbaine
By : La Firme
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN 18th edition
Distinctions
Discipline : Interior Design
Categories : Commercial Space / Commercial Space ≤ 1,600 sq.ft. (≤ 150 sq.m.) : Silver certification
The Rushbrooke project involved transforming and enlarging a Southwestern townhouse, reinterpreting the space while respecting the character of the original building. The intervention quickly focused on using the rear land and began with the excavation of the basement and the extension of the foundations in the existing courtyard, thus allowing the occupation of a new space both in the basement and on the ground floor.
In the basement, the space was optimized thanks to a stepped English courtyard, which allowed for the creation of an additional bedroom and a family room, into which natural light could penetrate deeply. In order to relate the interior living space with the raw materiality of the English courtyard, technical design efforts were made to expose a raw concrete wall running from the new staircase to the family room. The addition of vegetation in the concrete steps contributes, through the dialogue between the organic and the mineral, to creating an inviting atmosphere in the new basement.
The reorganization of the ground floor allows for the arrangement of a new kitchen, spacious and better integrated with the existing living space. The beams are intentionally left exposed to structure the organization of the kitchen. The addition of a central skylight helps to emphasize the rhythm of these beams and at the same time allows the space to be bathed in natural light.
The extension allowed for the redefinition of the main living spaces – kitchen, dining room, and living room – by widely opening the rear facade with accordion glass doors. This architectural solution promotes a seamless interaction between the interior and exterior, offering generous views of the courtyard and direct access to a carefully designed terrace.
By unifying these new volumes with the original character of the house, the project creates harmony between the contemporary needs of the occupants and the heritage charm of the building.
Collaboration
Architect : La Firme - Architecture
Photo credit