Deux Maisons, un paysage

Dauphin

 Affiliate prices

By Stéphane Durand

Perched at over 420 meters, the village of Dauphin, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, boasts 400 hectares of woodlands. It is in this idyllic setting that Studio Classico has restored a house designed by Marseille architect Alain Amedeo. «This is a contextual project that respects the modernist DNA of the site, as well as its Provençal features, like the tiled roof and thick walls, while adapting it to the client’s modern lifestyle,» explains Antoine Lallement, one of the two architects. The duo significantly transformed the 340m² main house and reimagined the 130m² secondary building, previously an artist’s studio, into a guest house: «We created new rooms by adding openings and removing walls.» The project merges tradition with modern creation, embracing diverse influences. «We introduced a more brutalist touch to the main residence, using raw concrete for the staircase, pergola supports, and a large dining table.» The design fits seamlessly with the home’s character. «The surrounding landscape, which opens onto a natural area, inspired us to create a circular opening, connecting the house to nature. »

Jury’s Opinion

The jury decided to create a new category: the Affiliation category. It’s almost, dare I say, the project by Studio Classico that prompted this decision. «Two Houses, One Landscape» is an exercise that could have been perilous but ultimately moved the jury with its style. «Style is rare,» as Céline said in his imaginary interview.

This project was a renovation/extension challenge, as it involved a magnificent work by architect Alain Amadéo. What can be done with such a remarkable piece of architecture when the client’s program demands modifications?

Their response carries the strength of subtly intervening while fully respecting the original design, volumes, and materials. Where «expanding a program» often means «diminishing architectural coherence,» this project does the opposite, managing to infuse tasteful touches into the existing structure. It brings a certain je ne sais quoi that intrigues, it dialogues, respects, and unexpectedly enhances its coherence. The project allows this pre-existing structure to live today, in the present. It revitalizes it and adds that unique flavor that enables this remarkable piece of architecture to continue to truly exist.

Maîtrise d’ouvrage : Privé

Architectes : Studio Classico - Antoine Lallement & Suleima Ben Achour

Surface SHON : 340m²

Montant des travaux : 700 000 euros HT

Date de livraison : Juillet 2024