Name THE NEW MAGNANERY
Location Aulas, France
Program Renovation & extension
Area 110 m2

In the Cévennes nature Park, the conversion of this former mid-18th century silkworm farm into a residence involves reconfiguring the existing levels and creating an additional one. The existing floors are linked by a double height vertical circulationand open onto the surrounding mountain landscape. The addition, which deliberately differs from the existing building, is a contemporary interpretation of the ancestral principle of the "magnanerie", where sericulture was practiced. Its evanescent volume inspired by the cocoons of silkworms fits delicately into the geometry of the existing and preserved roof slopes. This new magnanery, both a place to live and a family retreat, revisits neo- vernacular architecture while favouring local and bio-sourced materials. All construction materials removed from the existing structure are re- injected into the project. The interventions are dosed by paying close attention to the construction logic of the existing architecture. The old and the new blend into a coherent system, with a desire to keep this built heritage alive.

© KAPT Studio

© KAPT Studio

© KAPT Studio