The story of the building unfolds on a rocky and extremely slopping site, overlooking in southern Evian Sea. The already existing building and the surrounding stone enclosure in the plot almost look like imprints that co-exist with the current surrounding landscape.
The reconstruction of the existing building occurs with respect to the original structure, while, its wooden ceilings and the walls grouting are maintained, giving emphasis to the terrain. At the same time, openings are modified, in order to accommodate new functions.
The innerness of the building and the small openings have defined the existing building as the private space and, in addition to this, bedrooms and private bathrooms areas have been integrated to it.
Meanwhile, a white box was re-designed, almost like a foreign object, that “lands” on the landscape and balances on the edge, the steepest point of the site, creating a characteristic hovering. The white box accommodates daytime functions in an open-plan space with living, dining areas and the kitchen. They are all housed in a single space that is defined through the three large openings. The openings are strictly arranged with respect to the views of the sea, the mountain and, more emphatically, the settlement, which leads to the most active scenery, the harbor.
The main access and connection between the old and the new buildings take place through a link. A glass and metal perforated, neck, which plays the role of a gray zone. Its purpose is to make the connection of the past and the present almost invisible.
The existing landscape remains, for the greatest part, untouched with sole interventions being the stone low walls, which create internal paths and act as the primary circulation system, with ulterior purpose of maintaining the existing topography.
