house, mase, conversion

client :

privat

program :

dining room, living room, kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms.

dates :

project 2008,

execution 2009-10

sia 116 volume :

550 m3

civil engineer:

alpatec sa, martigny

hvac engineer :

tecnoservice engineering sa, martigny

photographer :

thomas jantscher

purchased by the client with a view to making it into a second home, this unused granary in the centre of the village had been destined for demolition. the initial dimensions were retained in order to safeguard the essential character of the building.

this modest space is organised on two levels, with the ground floor containing the daytime-use part, which extends to the exterior via balconies, and the upper floor containing two bedrooms and a bathroom. the space is supplemented by an underground level which serves as a foundation for the granary and which contains a games room and service areas.

granaries were built with only one door, so windows were added as part of this conversion to residential use. these windows are large, but are integrated into the timber facades as far as possible, in order to reduce their impact. the windows are fitted flush with the façades, with frames in a dark colour close to that of old wood, and the “needles” (the vertical parts that keep the timbers aligned) pass in front of the windows.

the granary’s distance above the ground (originally to protect it from rodents) means that the basement level can enjoy natural light via a roof-light and a glazed staircase area.

the interior is panelled throughout in knot-free larch to give it a certain simplicity and uniformity.

heating is provided via a geothermal heat pump, supplemented by solar collectors.

condition before conversion - barn before disassembly