TRA house in Montpellier

In the historic center of a well-preserved village, opposite the church, a wine barn and its adjoining house were to be restructured in order to create a familiar and special living environment.  TRA house in Montpellier

Heritage and prestigious features have been retained in the existing TRA House: stone staircase, concrete tiles and timber roof frame, while the large volume and minimalist forms of the barn have been transformed into a unified and fluid living space, opening directly to the outside through of a square yard at the rear.

The existing house: Space is given over to the bedrooms, while the old barn welcomes daily family activities. The archetypal form of the barn, all in one large structure, successively provides the kitchen, the living room and the large table that leads to the patio and the pool.

The location of the pool, next to the building, creates different atmospheres for each moment of life, allowing the seasonal rhythms to be experienced throughout the natural vibrations of air and matter. On the outside the roof of the original barn was removed to create the outdoor patio. The composition of this space – within four walls – echoes the Mediterranean way of life.

TRA house in Montpellier

In addition, it was chosen to preserve one of the barn's stone walls, a remnant of the past, to ensure the thermal performance of the building. Limestone maintains the right level of humidity throughout the night, especially in summer, keeping the place cool and pleasant to use. The patio also features a half pool.

The “half-pool half-patio” motif gives this water piece its fundamental stance: it is the axis of the overall exterior composition and connects it to the interior spaces. The three dimensions of architecture, history and technique are in dialogue and this project writes a "cut" narrative in every detail, giving the place its own unique spirit.

About (ma!ca) architecture
(ma!ca) is an architectural office based in the south of France that adapts its methodology to the unique requirements of each project. Always building a strong identity. The exploratory practice driven by a commitment to push creative boundaries and pays meticulous attention to every detail in a sensitive manner.

The name (ma!ca) is inspired by a plant with healing virtues/as for (ma!ca), architecture plays a key role in human health and has a significant impact on physical and emotional well-being. Architecture "takes care" and improves well-being through the use of materials, colors, light, exquisite craftsmanship, and therefore, shaped spaces.

Maya Brudieux has lived in Rotterdam and Saint-Jean du-Gard and Camille Morcrette in Montreal and Marseilles. Their work has a color of modernity and aims to find a delicate balance between radicalism and surrealism.