A successful symbiosis between old and new

Maison Z

'Maison Z' ('house Z'), situated in the Gard department in the south of France, encompasses a site measuring 2,750 square metres and is home to several independent farmhouses in a style that is typical of the Cévennes region, incorporating almost blind frontages and lapels made from local limestone. Architect Gil Percal reconnected the two main ancient buildings via a new construction, which will take the form of a single-level parallelepiped with an outdoor terrace. By skilfully juxtaposing the ancient building and the new construction, Gil Percal has managed to ensure that all rooms are at the heart of the dwelling, gathered in an open-plan space that includes a living room, dining room, and an open kitchen in an alcove. This new construction has an exposed structure from the outside, which is emphasized by a metal beam and round, steel poles, and a series of floor-to-ceiling windows.

Identical in dimension and colour

Beyond the series of windows, the floor leads seamlessly onto an outdoor terrace that features tiles from the Mosa Exterior Flooring Collection – identical in dimension and colour to those used inside. The absence of a threshold to the right of the windows, and the use of large tiles, accentuates the uniform character of the slab layout between the indoor and outdoor areas. The view is breathtaking, because the new open-plan living area provides a panorama of the site with a view on the swimming pool below which is bordered by tiles from the Ultragres Terra Maestricht collection. The architect adds, 'The different collections of tiles by Mosa imbue the pure ceramic floors with a certain mineral quality, striking the perfect harmony between three contemporary materials – glass, metal, and wood – found on the stone walls of the old constructions.'