(ma!ca) transforms old wine barn into private residence in france

architecture studio (ma!ca) has transformed an old wine barn and its adjacent house , located within the historical center of well-preserved village castries, in france. situated opposite of a church, the two buildings were both restructured in order to create an intimate living environment. the project is based on the dialogue between architecture, history, and technicity, generating a unique design with attention to detail.

outdoor space
all images by julien kerdraon

(ma!ca) has carried out the renovation, keeping the components that reveal the heritage and prestige of the pre-existing building. the stone staircase, the cement tiles, and the wooden roof framing were preserved, while the barn’s large volume and minimalist forms were turned into an open-plan and fluid living space, opening right up to the exterior through a square patio at the rear.

the custom-made entrance door, the cement tiles and the stone staircase

the existing living space houses the bedroom areas, whereas the old wine barn welcomes the everyday family life activities. the archetypal barn form, all in one long structure, successively provides the kitchen, living room, and large table leading out onto the patio and the swimming pool. the patio also features half of the lap pool. the ‘half-pool / half-patio’ pattern gives this water slice its fundamental posture: it is the pivot of the overall outdoor composition and connects it with the indoors.

existing staircase and cement tiles

on the outside, part of the roof of the original wine barn was removed to design the open-air patio. the composition of this space – within four walls – echoes the mediterranean lifestyle. furthermore, the choice was made to keep one of the gable stone walls of the barn, a vestige of the past, to ensure the thermal efficiency of the building. the limestone retains the right humidity level throughout the night, especially in summer, keeping the place cool and pleasant to use.

custom-made furniture