TANK conceals 'maison mouvaux' beneath a sculptural wooden roof

this family home in northern france has been designed by TANK, a lille-based architecture firm founded by olivier camus and lydéric veauvy. known as ‘maison mouvaux’, or the ‘mouvaux house’, the residence is nestled on the edge of an area of woodland, and incorporates subtle shapes and materials that reflect the surrounding landscape. opening onto a clearing where it receives sunlight from the south, the house — photographed here by julien lanoo — has been oriented to benefit from natural light throughout the day.

all images © julien lanoo

integrated into its site, the house is topped with a roof that has been conceived by TANK as a ‘wooden shell’. this canopy has been hollowed out to accommodate five of the home’s six bedrooms. treated as a façade in its own right, the roof has been intermittently punctured to allow sun to enter while offering views of the surrounding garden. in contrast, glazing wraps around the exterior of the house at ground level with the canopy appearing to float within the landscape.

as a result, the garden seems to penetrate the interior of the home. a series of voids results in expansive double-height spaces that are naturally illuminated from above. the communal living space at ground level comprises a sunken lounge with built-in furniture and a large kitchen. meanwhile, more private areas, such as the library, are also included. the configuration of the floor plan adapts to the site, allowing the large roof to exist within the trees.

the architects explain that their choice of materials, in particular the locally-sourced wood from a renewable source, is guided by their commitment to sustainable architecture. TANK adds that wood is also malleable on every scale — from the framework to the furniture and storage — resulting in a harmonious overall appearance. the natural timber surfaces also react and respond to daylight, presenting an ever-changing appearance throughout the day.