Montpellier, France, 2017-12-04 –  The villa was built in the ’90s. Its floor plan presents very particular proportions: a 15 metres long entrance hall which leads inside the house and a linear perspective view opening up to the garden.

Photo credit: Julien Kerdraon

The parcel shape is a narrow rectangle and one facade, which is built straight on the very limits of the plot, is blind.
The kitchen was very dark due to a steel wall which separated the entrance from the garden, shutting out natural light. The bathrooms were not functional and dim too. The project goal was to improve the entering of the daylight by emphasizing the perspective from the entrance hall towards the garden.

Photo credit: Julien Kerdraon

The entire house was redesigned: two bathrooms were created, connected by a translucent window. The kitchen is now an important part of the house, directly connected to garden life. It is the link between the indoor and the outdoor space.

Wandering around the house has become really pleasant: a green wallpaper in the long entrance hall reflects the nature outside on its graphic pattern. Linda, Philippe and their three children can now fully enjoy the garden: which was the main inspiration and the central part of the design.

Photo credit: Julien Kerdraon

Data sheet

Location: Castelnau-le-Lez, South of France

completion date: April 2016

surface area: 1800 sq.ft. 

Photo credit: Julien Kerdraon

About (ma!ca) architecture

(ma!ca) is an architectural firm based in south of France which adapts its methodology to the unique requirements of each project. Always building a strong identity. The explorative practice is guided by a commitment to push creative boundaries and pay meticulous attention to every detail in a sensitive manner.
The name (ma!ca) is inspired by a plant with therapeutic virtues/as for (ma!ca), architecture plays a key role in human health and has a significant effect on physical and emotional well-being.
The architecture “takes care” and improves the well-being through the use of materials, colours, light, highest craftsmanship and, as a result, made-to-measure spaces.
Maya Brudieux has lived in Rotterdam and Saint-Jean du-Gard and Camille Morcrette in Montreal and Marseille. Their work is tinted of modernity and is aiming to find a subtile balance between radicalness and surrealism.