Contemporary House Extension In France With Metal Screens And A Home Gym

Adding extensions to existing structures is always tricky, especially when the old and the new sections have to look good together and to match each other in style. The solutions that architects and designers find to make that possible are based on context. Let’s analyze this house in France for example.

The extension is positioned parallel to the existing house and linked to it via a transparent corridor
The extension is positioned parallel to the existing house and linked to it via a transparent corridor

Earlier this year studio Taillandier Architectes Associés was tasked with building an extension for it. The main request was for it to not contrast with the existing one-storey house. The owners also wanted it to look contemporary. This was meant to add to the original house a new master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and a walk-in closet. It ended up being a 90 square meter volume composed on two sections.

The metal screens don't obstruct the view from the inside but they add more privacy from the exterior
The metal screens don’t obstruct the view from the inside but they add more privacy from the exterior
The corridor linking the old and new structures is wide and also functions as a home gym
The corridor linking the old and new structures is wide and also functions as a home gym
The metal screens accompany the doors and windows and help to add a layer of security to the extension
The metal screens accompany the doors and windows and help to add a layer of security to the extension

One of the sections is the actual suite and the other is a volume which links it to the main house. This however it more than just a hallway. First of all it’s a fairly transparent space which enjoys a strong connection to the garden. Second of all, it doubles as a home gym, an unexpected but very welcome addition to the initial design. This gives the extension a T shape.

The back of the volume is very simple and lacks details but it is a nice backdrop for the little courtyard
The back of the volume is very simple and lacks details but it is a nice backdrop for the little courtyard
The extension also enjoys a connection to the backyard, the pool area and the garden
The extension also enjoys a connection to the backyard, the pool area and the garden

The main bedroom volume is a prefabricated concrete box with a very simple form and a flat roof. What you’ll immediately notice is the presence of metal screens which serve a multitude of functions and in this case replace the usual glass walls and windows. They filter the light that enters the interior spaces which is helpful during summer, they offer more privacy compared to glass, they’re more secure and they’re ideal for cross ventilation. 

The overall design and architecture of the new volume are very simple but still close to those of the original house
The overall design and architecture of the new volume are very simple but still close to those of the original house
The metal screens filter and reflect the natural light and also facilitate cross ventilation during summer
The metal screens filter and reflect the natural light and also facilitate cross ventilation during summer
The extension adds a new master bedroom to the property along with its own bathroom
The extension adds a new master bedroom to the property along with its own bathroom
For the interior the architects used a simple palette of materials limited to natural oak, concrete and a few accent details
For the interior the architects used a simple palette of materials limited to natural oak, concrete and a few accent details
The concrete ceiling has a coat of sealant which gives it a glossy finish that catches the light
The concrete ceiling has a coat of sealant which gives it a glossy finish that catches the light
The walk-in closet is large and offers lots of storage. It also has a mirror which tricks the eye
The walk-in closet is large and offers lots of storage. It also has a mirror which tricks the eye
The bathroom enjoys a very airy interior with large windows and an open concept layout
The bathroom enjoys a very airy interior with large windows and an open concept layout