This thorough building overhaul, in combination with a larger upstairs, was designed in order to meet the needs of a person living alone. Despite a small 140 square meters living space, the residence offers vast open rooms with an abundance of natural lighting.

The house now features three split levels that are each designed for a distinct set of functions that help establish a clear hierarchy between intimate and communal zones. These zones are designed to be very open in relation to each other and are only divided by the threshold created by the flights of stairs.

Directly accessible from the carport and at the same height as the ground outside is the first of three levels that contains both the entrance vestibule as well as a small office.

At the crossroads of the three levels is located a pure white block that naturally reinforces the intimacy between zones and around which gravitates circulation within the home. This block has a powerful effect on the upper portion of each level as a result of it being unattached to the ceiling, which allows for both an unobstructed line of sight and opulent natural lighting.

The exterior is covered in natural eastern cedar siding that will fade over time to eventually further bear a resemblance to the bark of trees in the surrounding woods. Simple openings surrounded by black frames serve to punctuate the sheer volume of the house.

The former garage has been replaced with a covered parking space that’s open on either end, and thus gives the impression that it was emptied. This openness creates a sense of transparency that, like all large openings, provides the space for nature to reclaim its place.