Couin de Vacque | Jamie Falla

Replacing a dilapidated 1950’s 2 storey villa, Couin de Vacque is the reinterpretation of the local vernacular longhouse, providing a low energy and low maintenance family home.
A large expanse of structurally glazed doors connect the living spaces to a large courtyard and infinity pool; capturing the evening sun from the west. The courtyard also connects to a detached study block which forms a screen and gate-house to the wind swept site. Five bedrooms and ensuites are located on the first floor. The design and orientation of the building maximises views of the stunning landscape from all principle rooms. The palette of top lit spaces, concrete floors, recycled local granite, hand crafted zinc, slate, glass and a green roof, enables the property to blend within its setting, be low maintenance and mediate between water, earth and sky. The site is highly sensitive, adjacent to a National Trust field and although much criticised at the time, the finished building has won plaudits from many of its initial critics.