The villa was built in the ’90s. Its floor plan presents very particular proportions: a 15 metres long entrance hall which leads inside the house and a linear perspective view opening up to the garden.

The parcel shape is a narrow rectangle and one facade, which is built straight on the very limits of the plot, is blind.
The kitchen was very dark due to a steel wall which separated the entrance from the garden, shutting out natural light. The bathrooms were not functional and dim too. The project goal was to improve the entering of the daylight by emphasizing the perspective from the entrance hall towards the garden.

The entire house was redesigned: two bathrooms were created, connected by a translucent window. The kitchen is now an important part of the house, directly connected to the garden life. It is the link between the indoor and the outdoor space.
Wandering around the house has become really pleasant: a green wallpaper in the long entrance hall reflects the nature outside on its graphic pattern. Linda, Philippe and their three children can now fully enjoy the garden: which was the main inspiration and the central part of the design.

Photo credit: Julien Kerdraon

GOM House’s double entryway with hardwood walkway and garden. Photo credit: Julien Kerdraon

The living room of the house with sofa seating, floor lamp, built-in shelving and desk and rug. Photo credit: Julien Kerdraon

The living space of the estate with classic oblong coffee table, and green wall decors. Photo credit: Julien Kerdraon

The house’s dining area in white walls with rectangle dining table, chairs, hardwood flooring, and pendant lighting. Photo credit: Julien Kerdraon — GOM House

The pad’s hallway with hardwood flooring and concrete and glass wall where you can see through the kitchen space. Photo credit: Julien Kerdraon

Another view of the home’s hallway with artistic wallpaper and hardwood flooring. Photo credit: Julien Kerdraon

The property's artistic wallpaper. Photo credit: Julien Kerdraon

GOM House’s modern white bathroom. Photo credit: Julien Kerdraon

Another look of the house’s bathroom in white tiled walls, single sink and recessed lighting. Photo credit: Julien Kerdraon

The pad’s deck with black shading and hardwood flooring. Photo credit: Julien Kerdraon

A view of GOM House’s shady deck and potted plants during daytime. Photo credit: Julien Kerdraon — GOM House

A view of GOM House’s large gray front gate. Photo credit: Julien Kerdraon

A view of the property’s large gray gate from afar. Photo credit: Julien Kerdraon

Technical Info

Location: Castelnau-le-Lez, South of France
completion date: April 2016
surface area: 1800 sq.ft.
photo credit: Julien Kerdraon
Press distribution: v2com

About (ma!ca) architecture

(ma!ca) is an architectural firm based in south of France which adapts its methodology to the unique requirements of each project. Always building a strong identity. The explorative practice is guided by a commitment to push creative boundaries and pay meticulous attention to every detail in a sensitive manner.

The name (ma!ca) is inspired by a plant with therapeutic virtues/as for (ma!ca), architecture plays a key role in human health and has a significant effect on physical and emotional well-being.

The architecture “takes care” and improves the well-being through the use of materials, colours, light, highest craftsmanship and, as a result, made-to-measure spaces.

Maya Brudieux has lived in Rotterdam and Saint-Jean du-Gard and Camille Morcrette in Montreal and Marseille. Their work is tinted of modernity and is aiming to find a subtile balance between radicalness and surrealism.