Localization
Remote village
Type
Rural accomodation
Year
2017 -
Area
114 m2
The project is located in a small rural village, close to the sea coast, recognized for its idyllic surroundings.
The objective of the intervention was to renovate an old shed and convert it into rural accommodation.
Due to the building´s condition, it needed to be demolished and replaced by a contemporary structure. Nevertheless, while developing the project, we decided to preserve its original volumetry and historical qualities, such as facades and the main principles of the original layout.
The layout of the existing shed was based on division into 3 parts – 2 lateral enclosed spaces with boxes for the animals, and a central part completely open due to double height and big wooden gates. The building’s potential lay in its centrality, transparency and openness.
Our project is inspired by this original layout. The central zone remained open and turned into a social zone for the guests, while the lateral zones were converted to ensuite rooms, with traditional brickwork windows.
The major opening was located on the east-west axis, what provided the interior with light spectacles throughout the day.
The staircase located precisely in the middle of the building helps to replicate the logical distribution of functions upstairs. It also creates an informal boundary within the central space, dividing it into 4 different zones – entrance, kitchen, dining and lounge – while maintaining complete transparency.
Throughout the design process we made various maquettes to be able to choose the right profiles, spacing and orientation of wooden elements constructing the stairs in such way to provide the maximum visibility.
The see-through distribution core – stairs and the suspended pathway – establishes itself as a volumetrically defined form, detached from the main structure – a moment, a sculpture inside the built space.
The character of the shed was recalled in various elements, such as showers in forms of animal cubicles and sinks recalling feeding troughs. Some of the original components of the building, like wooden beams, were preserved to be used as functional decorative elements.
We chose the simplistic approach when it comes to materials. The interiors present themselves as clean, almost raw, with lots of white and concrete, interacting with warm wood.
The strong connection to nature was intensified by big glazed surfaces in both sides of the common space. As it is completely see-through, the spectator can take full advantage of the beautiful view for the meadows.