Project 3 Le Coin

Our Clients vision was to reawaken some fine but under-utilised granite barn buildings forming a previously working farm courtyard. A majestic but dilapidated timber, brick and granite structure was to be rebuilt and reunited with the barn by means of design modern in approach but sympathetic with its historical neighbours, forming a link between the past and present architecture. This new link structure was to provide a light, volumetric space where the Client could enjoy the fine view of the countryside out to the Island’s coast from both inside and outside the building. This was achieved by taking advantage of the natural topography of the land immediately adjacent to the buildings and locating the main living accommodation on the upper floor. The external aesthetic belies the hi-tech approach to internal services including underfloor heating and built-in vacuum system, as well as remotely controlled door entry system, rain-sensitive rooflights and audio system throughout. The filtered light through stepped roof gable glazing, reminiscent of more famous large scale modern public architectural projects, bathes the main living area to the end of the day providing a feeling of both relaxation and vitality. Stepping from the new link into a country kitchen with Aga, traditional oak kitchen and clay floor tiles reflects both the nature and feel of the granite building which accommodates it and the juxtaposition of the requirements set out in our Clients’ brief.