Holiday Home in Normandy by Studio Guma

A simple transom construction 

Hécourt has 300 inhabitants and is located in the Eure Valley just 80 km west of Paris. The village is the setting for Studio Guma‘s transformation of a farmhouse and two outbuildings into a second home for a family. The project was carried out with few structural interventions. The existing building consists of an old farmhouse, a shed and a stable, all of which are now lined up beneath a continuous saddle roof. The structure is set back from the road and stands in a long, narrow garden with old beeches, walnut trees and fruit trees. The simple transom construction, which features a facade of quarry stone, follows the slight slope of the lot, which rises rearwards from the entrance to the property. The client family wanted a place where relatives and friends could leave the bustle of the city behind and reconnect with nature.  

The old shed as a connecting point 

The ground floor and upper level of the former farmhouse each features two bedrooms and bathrooms. The architects have preserved the existing joists, chimneys, walls and windows. On the northwest side of the private area, there are no openings, for the building is directly adjacent to the property line. All the windows face the garden. 

To the north, the kitchen and dining room join onto the old shed. This bright, open space extends the entire height of the building and is where the family spend most of their time. Moreover, the paths and angles of view between indoors and outdoors intersect here. Instead of the old barn doors, two fully glazed sliding doors now open onto the southeast-facing terrace. A large window on the northwest side offers a view over the garden on the opposite side.  

From stable to living room 

Three steps lead guests from the dining room into the living room, which is in the former stable. The planners have had half the hayloft removed and kept the rest as a gallery. This mezzanine is an introverted retreat for quiet activities such as reading. With no direct openings to the outside, it is lit only from above. In the lower part of the space, a floating fireplace forms the heart of the room, where the family and their guests come together for conversation and discussion. In the mornings and evenings, two large windows – one under the gallery, one on the gable wall – frame the twilight. 

Material contrasts and colour harmony 

The architects chose concrete, steel and lacquered aluminum as materials for the newly created portions of the building. This selection contrasts with the minerals of the existing structures. Shades of pale grey, cream and white harmonize well with the warm colours of the old buildings.