KERM house renovation | Collectif Vous

It is in the heights of Concarneau that this century-old house with typical Breton architecture rests; peripheral structure in thick stone walls, slate roof, a noble facade facing south, openings framed in granite stone, two blind gables. The new owners therefore embarked on a major renovation project to adapt this old building, which was summarily remodeled in the 1980s, and adapt it to new spatial and environmental challenges.

The architectural response draws its essence from a structural need to rebuild floors and framework, and then to work within unique peripheral walls. Different sets of ceiling heights are implemented to characterize each of the generated spaces. The project thus develops visual frames specific to each room while taking advantage of the existing openings. This rationality led to take advantage of the inevitable repairs of the framework to integrate generous openings to enlighten the whole house. The project is therefore organized in its section, by the creation of a central void which functions as the nerve center of the project. This void that plays the essential role of articulation between the rooms, on the ground floor as well as on the upper floors, is illuminated with natural light by a long glass roof.

The kitchen and living room are arranged on the ground floor around this same central void. In a free plan that encourages deep views and the circulation of light, two architectural elements partition the space : the first flight of masonry stairs and the bookcase that supports the stove become spatial hinges. To the west, the low-ceilinged kitchen allows the two bedrooms to be superimposed on the upper floors. To the east, a living room takes shape under the warm volume wrapped in wood which seems to float more than 3 meters above the ground. Both of fice and music studio, the withdrawal of this suspended room from the south facade gives it a plunging view to the outside while taking advantage of the skylight which illuminates the living room below. To the south, the window in connection with the living room is greatly enlarged to offer an extended view of the landscape.

Finally, a long scenographic staircase winds up in the central void to serve the rooms one by one, until crossing it transversely to access the last bedroom. It is the centerpiece that connects the new interior facades to each other, and above all, that offers as many cross-views inwards and outwards as there are steps, up to seeing the sea from its last landing.