matali crasset: maisons sylvestres

'nichoir' by matali crasset
photo by lucas fréchin


within the 5000-hectares forest of the dompcevrin, fresnes-au-mont, lahaymeix, nicey-sur-aire, pierrefitte-sur-aire and ville-devant-beirain
along the sentier du vent pathway in france, paris-based designer matali crasset has envisioned 'maisons sylvestre', four small dwellings
or 'feral houses'.

designboom previously published the project when the four sanctuaries: 'chrysalide', 'brocard', 'champignon' and 'nichoir' structures
were still being built. acting as ecological hotel rooms, each offer different lifestyles inviting you to enter and harmonize yourself with nature.
all the dwellings intertwine the indoor and outdoor environments enhanced by a terrace, a central room, porch swing…
allowing curious visitors and transient inhabitants of the natural space to spy on the surrounding environment.

the structures are made from combinations of acacia wood, douglas pine and galvanized steel which camouflage themselves into the landscape.
each cabin is outfitted with a wood stove, gas lights, compost toilets and an outdoor water supply facility.
'these lightweight structures are foundation-free and can be moved around the forest without harming nature or upsetting the ecosystem,'
says matali crasset.

the project which has been a collaboration between the designer and the inhabitants and volunteers of le vent des forêts.



a view through the forest
photo by lucas fréchin



construction of nichoir's structural frame
image courtesy of matali crasset



image courtesy of matali crasset



'nichoir' being built
photo by lucas fréchin



front view of 'nichoir' during construction
photo by lucas fréchin



rendering of 'nichoir' dwelling's interior
image courtesy of matali crasset




'nichoir' framework
image courtesy of matali crasset




'noisette'
image courtesy of matali crasset



'noisette'
image courtesy of matali crasset

construction of 'noisette'



'noisette' site
image courtesy of matali crasset



'chrysalide'
image courtesy of matali crasset


interior rendering of the 'chrysalide' space
image courtesy of matali crasset



'champignon' framework
image courtesy of matali crasset




modules for the feral houses
image courtesy of matali crasset





zigzag arrangement




various modules
image courtesy of matali crasset

possible arrangements
image courtesy of matali crasset