Output details

Petit Bayle

Petit Bayle is a house located in the Lot et Garonne region of South Western France, as well as a continuing research project based on post-occupancy and professional feedback. The house was designed as a holiday residence; the area is 170 m2 and the cost of the project was €290,000.

The research processes for this output are described in detail in pdf JS1:

Research questions: how can local building materials and forms be incorporated into a sustainable building project in an isolated rural location? How can the requirements and details of sustainable design become part of a coherent architectural language that suits the special location of this house? How can the unique aspects of site and orientation be expressed while meeting the demands of sustainable design?

Methodology: Using the site and context as a generator of form, function and materiality, the approach was from the outset to understand and explore the various architectural possibilities offered by a steeply sloping rural site. The location offered dramatic views of the surrounding landscape and the fundamental aim at the outset was the design of a house that would exploit the potential for useful passive solar gain and cooling, alongside an exploration of locally available, affordable and sustainable materials and building techniques. The early design processes were based on recording site experiences and exploring its potential through a quick turnover of ideas, without being overly precious, whilst remaining bound by some awareness of what could be affordable and practical.

Means of dissemination: The house has been widely published in international professional and lifestyle magazines, on British, French and American professional and other websites, and in a major textbook for architects; post-occupancy research continues through seminar work with Smith’s students.