antonin ziegler architecte renovates riverside residence- the barn

at the edge of the river siene in notre-dame-de-bliquetuit, france, local practice antonin ziegler architecte has renovated an abandoned timber barn into a re-imagined residence. over years of weathering and disrepair the only thing left to define the barn- used to store horse fodder- was its original structure which became the impetus for the contemporary design that was to inhabit the derelict space. the architects intended to keep the memory and mood of the barn intact, wrapping both the walls and ceiling in a shell of zinc panels that patina rather quickly to retain the feel of a modern ruin. 

the structure stands as a renewed ruin
image © david boureau (also first image)

through the few yet carefully placed openings the original structure- from foundation to columns and beams- is visibly exposed establishing a clear dichotomy between old and new. on the ground floor, a linear window sits atop the existing foundation wall separating the zinc paneling from the base to expose the timber columns and cross braces. from the interior, one is surrounded on almost 360-degrees by the surrounding landscape. at the center of the long facade a tall section of the wall is replaced by storefront glass, while the opposite wall is similarly defined by a window that transitions from wall to ceiling, both flooding the central kitchen and dining areas with natural light. 

from the exterior, a new facade of zinc panels outlines the original scale of the barn
image © antonin ziegler

the over frame of the house is left as a large encapsulating shell within which all renewed spaces exist. the bedrooms are situated on mezzanine levels in the attic area of structure, envisioned as individual structures suspended over an open living space with an elevated bridge-like hallway connecting the rooms over the full-height kitchen. at the northern end, a private pool area is defined by the masonry foundation and timber roof. 

a continuous window around the living spaces provides views and light
image © antonin ziegler

an elevated bridge connects upper level rooms
image © david boureau

image © david boureau

image © david boureau

image © david boureau

image © david boureau

the structural elements of the original barn are left intact, symbiotically merged with contemporary interjections 
image © david boureau

a soaking pool occupies the northern end of the barn
image © antonin ziegler

image © david boureau

image © antonin ziegler

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project info:

location: notre-dame-de-bliquetuit, france
architect: antonin ziegler architecte
delivery: 2016
area: 217 m² net floor area
budget: 262 000 €