An extension on a vineyard in Aix-en-Provence – e-architect

Aix-en-Provence vineyard buildings, images of French residential architecture, housing estate in southern France

September 11, 2022

Design: Mahos Architects

Location: Aix en Provence, France

Photo © Studiomodul

Photos: Studio Module & David Maurel

Vineyard extension, southern France

That Vineyard Extension The addition to this family home was designed for the owners who wanted more living space and panoramic views of the sunsets over the vineyard.

Photo © Studiomodul

The existing structure, a contemporary local style villa, is an H-shaped house. Since the construction in 1998, the space requirements of the owners have changed. The goal of the project was to add more rooms and showcase the surrounding landscape.

Photos © Studio Module

Site Integration
The existing home overlooks vineyards dotted with training wires attached to steel stakes with a rusty patina. The contemporary structure of the extension is directly inspired by this landscape, characterized by strong vertical and horizontal lines.

Photo © David Maurel

The geometry of the extension is based on the proportions of the house as an extension of its existing facades. The flat roof is a line of force in the landscape.

Photo © Studiomodul

The metal construction with the new rooms is framed by the existing house and the load-bearing wall that stiffens it.

Metal and glass should make the project disappear into the surrounding landscape. In addition, the brownish-red color is in harmony with the cornice and red shutters of the house.

Photos © Studio Module

Inside Outside
A versatile, fully glazed living area benefits from its dual east/west orientation. A bedroom and a shower room complete the floor. The view through the windows remains unimpaired when the bedroom door is open. The bathroom is both well lit and private thanks to its frosted glass.

When the windows are wide open, the breeze blows through, like a mountain cabin, and a cantilevered deck further expands the interior space. The boundary between inside and outside is thus blurred.

music room
A music room was set up in the basement for rehearsals and private concerts. Access is via the existing house, which means that the extension can remain independent like a small residential unit.

The main room is a very bright room thanks to picture windows that let in plenty of natural light and create a strong connection with nature.

Photos © David Maurel

The 30m2 music room was designed following an acoustic study and includes plywood bench seating to match the adjacent floor. A wall unit gives the room a variable geometry that absorbs sound while providing storage space for everyday use. Carpets and fabrics also serve to improve room acoustics.

The tiered benches in the music room are the result of an interesting technical constraint: the foundations of the extension had to be offset from the existing facade. In order not to lose space, the architects decided to create seats that meet this structural requirement while enhancing the interior space.

This versatile space can be transformed into a home theater, bedroom, rehearsal room, recording studio or intimate concert hall.

Photo © Studiomodul

Technical Challenges
The coordination with the contractors and engineers throughout the design and construction phase transformed and enriched the project both in its structural features and in its finishing works.

The project had a mixed framework and particular care was taken with the connections between metal elements and masonry. The use of recessed links with U-shaped pieces of metal made it possible to dispense with the Parge coating and emphasize the regular profile I-beams.

Rather than adding a new element to the project, the architects used the same structural modules to create downspouts, with rainwater flowing down the I-beams.

The security grilles over the windows were replaced with a terracotta grille, a feature common in the region. This mashrabiya system attenuates direct sunlight and allows for a continuous flow of air.

Photo © David Maurel

Vineyard Extension in Aix-en-Provence, France – Building Information

Architect: Mahos architectes – https://www.mahos.fr/

Masonry work, rough work, plastering, painting, electrical: Promazur
Metal structure: Bernabeu ferronnerie
Canopy/weather protection: Histoire de toit
Plumbing: Energy PCS
Building construction: I2C structure

About Mahos
Mahos is an architecture practice co-founded in 2018 by Lucile Maurel and Camille Hours. Both women are graduates of the Saint-Etienne School of Architecture (École d’architecture national supérieure) and share an optimistic and enthusiastic vision of their profession.

With great sensitivity to heritage and local history, they consider existing structures as real project material. The studio is active in different places.

Photo © Studiomodul

Photos: Studio Module & David Maurel

Vineyard expansion in Aix-en-Provence Images/information received 110922 from v2com Newswire

Location: Aix-en-Provence, France, Western Europe

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