
first image
'd house' by lode architecture, brittany, france
image © daniel moulinet
all images courtesy of lode architects
on the banks of the brackish water of a french estuary lies a house that breathes in the warmth of the surrounding woods. startling and elegant
dualities characterize estuarine environments, places at the mouth of a river where fresh water meets the saline swirls of ocean water. these unique
sites are among the most productive areas on earth. parisian architects jérôme vinçon and arnaud lacoste of lode architecture have sought to create
an architecture that reflects these complex conditions. the fecundity of the landscape is expressed in the architectonics of 'd house' which include a
contrasting skin comprised of untreated live-edge wood and glazing that wraps around the first level. a sizable retaining wall allows for the creation of
a hollow space that becomes the conceptual crux of the house. this hearth can be opened to the panorama of the undergrowth; its spaces filled with
the rushing sounds of the river and the smell of damp earth. the windowed angles fade into river views and the stone-worked ground trails off into the
water's banks. the second level further creates a blended landscape with wells of light and slivers of landscape peeking through a small succession of
living spaces. these wooden trellises make an abstracted composition of forest when the leaves reflect off the abundant glazing. the house flits between
dialectical sets, drawing strength through it's embrace of the confrontational natural elements that characterize the site.

the glazed first floor becomes the center for living
image © daniel moulinet

the wood-clad second floor peeks above a massive retaining wall
image © daniel moulinet

the holiday home can be a quiet retreat or a vibrant, festive space replete with outdoor views
image © daniel moulinet

stone floors continue to the exterior and fade towards the river
image © daniel moulinet

diffused light pervades the space
image © daniel moulinet

architectural light wells mingle with greenery and open sky
image © daniel moulinet

a view of the hearth
image © daniel moulinet

image © daniel moulinet

interior views display the kitchen island
image © daniel moulinet

image © daniel moulinet

(left): a view of the stair punctuates the central space
(right): inside and outside become seamlessly woven
image © daniel moulinet

material sophistication characterizes the hushed upstairs rooms
image © daniel moulinet

the adjoined rooms are complemented by closed-in outdoor spaces
image © daniel moulinet

untreated wood encloses the second-level balcony
image © daniel moulinet

the house is an abstracted composition of forest and river
image © daniel moulinet

a live-edge wood facade imitates the landscape
image © daniel moulinet

image © daniel moulinet

rusticity meets minimalist sophistication
image © daniel moulinet

at night a warm, yellow glow fills the house and contrasts with the twilight blue of the river
image © daniel moulinet
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site plan

floor plan level o

floor plan level 1

site section

short section

long section

structural diagram
super nice!
really minimal floorplan too…
i absolutely love it …
Super open yes. Like the way plan nestles into hillside. The reverse mirror upper floor layout. The unique way the kitchen works. The balanced combining of modern & primitive elements.
Love the rough board siding.
I love the cladding, the timber is awesome, really nice composition of forms.
This sort of Architecture is one of my favorites. Wooden walls with steel members in columns.
Simple… simple… GREAT.
did you guys notice the detail of the stair? very very beautiful…
Nice lighting design
Absolutely elegant with finess written all ove this house. Credits to the architect, owner/s and builder.