lines & curves engage in visual play within berenice curt's minimalist renovation in france

berenice curt renovates traditional limestone house in france

paris-based architectural firm berenice curt has completed the renovation and extension of a traditional limestone house in mantes-la-jolie, france. the revamp presents itself as a play between curve and line, old and new, while generating an all-white minimalist living environment. blurring the limits between the interior and the 180 sqm private garden, the project brings occupants closer to nature, responding to their need to ‘live outside’.

all images by salem mostefaoui

fitting harmoniously into the surroundings

settling on a narrow plot within a residential area in mantes-la-jolie, the traditional family home adopts an elongated volumetry to adapt to its surroundings. upon approaching the house, occupants come across the limestone masonry walls and the virginia creepers that complete its charming exterior. the main access is located through the front steps or the cellar. meanwhile, a side passage welcomes residents into the garden.

the newly constructed extension experiments with the environment’s boundaries, blending minimalist and traditional aesthetics. strictly aligned with the volumetry of the traditional residence, the extension fits harmoniously into the narrow site, enhancing its ‘corridor effect’ and creating no visual impact for the neighboring houses.

blending traditional and contemporary

the intervention by berenice curt (find more here) takes advantage of the unused land by dividing it into two parts with landscape qualities and distinct uses: a patio on the side of the street, and a central inner garden. these two open areas are delimited by the two curved arms that form the extension. coated in a natural hue that echoes the limestone of the original structure, they respectively embrace the patio and the courtyard, while softening the limits of the project.

the residential extension features a variety of openings, including small and large, circular and linear windows, as well as skylights. a selection of sliding doors connects the occupants to the exterior, while the stone walls of the existing structure are reflected on the extensive glazing surfaces. the original family home and the extension blend old and new, traditional and contemporary, generating interesting contrasting effects, while still standing next to each other in balance.