LE CHROMATIC
2013 — Vendée, FR
Restructuring — Barn Conversion / Guesthouse
Le Chromatic is the conversion of a former agricultural barn into a guesthouse in the countryside of western France. The project was realised as an auto-construction, with the clients actively involved in the building process. We assisted in the design development and construction, adapting architectural ideas to practical on-site solutions.
The intervention retained the direct and pragmatic character of rural construction, employing local agricultural building techniques and materials while introducing contemporary interior elements. The resulting space combines robust structural solutions with colourful and durable plywood interiors, creating a simple yet distinctive guesthouse environment.
Clients & Project Managers: David Bour & France Durez
Architect: Philippe Rizzotti
Production: Workshop_Bakker
Photos: Arnaud Boussac
SPECIFICATIONS
Structure
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Structural system in galvanised steel framing.
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Exterior enclosure using insulated corrugated steel sheets typical of agricultural buildings.
Floors & External Areas
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Concrete floor slabs forming the primary interior floor surface.
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Exterior timber decking for outdoor living spaces.
Interior Joinery & Surfaces
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Interior elements constructed from birch plywood.
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Selected surfaces in phenolic coloured film-faced birch plywood, introducing durable colour accents.
Material Strategy
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Combination of industrial agricultural materials and plywood interiors, balancing durability, economy, and expressive colour within the converted structure.
Construction Approach
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Auto-construction methodology, with hands-on building by the clients supported by design and fabrication expertise, allowing the project to be realised efficiently using straightforward construction techniques.
Carpentry & Joinery WORKSHOP & STUDIO for Architecture & Design
