Renovating 70s houses in Provence: an architectural challenge
Renovating 70s houses in Provence presents very specific challenges. Designed primarily with functionality in mind, these buildings often have poorly defined volumes, an awkward relationship with the land, and a lack of strong architectural identity. Situated without any real connection to the landscape, they struggle to enhance their otherwise remarkable surroundings.
In this project, the architectural firm Berengere Leroy was commissioned to transform a group of 70s buildings, situated on a sloping, semi-wooded site, into a prestigious contemporary property. The challenge was not simply to renovate, but rather to achieve a comprehensive architectural metamorphosis , capable of restoring meaning, coherence, and elegance to the entire complex.
Reading the existing structure: understanding an architectural ensemble devoid of character
Before any intervention, a careful analysis of the existing situation was essential. The buildings, although generously situated on the site, suffered from a complete lack of architectural coherence. The volumes were simply added together without hierarchy, the circulation patterns were unclear, and the relationship with the natural surroundings remained largely untapped.
The steeply sloping, almost uncultivated site presented both a constraint and an opportunity. The complex topography made movement difficult and fragmented uses, while simultaneously offering exceptional landscape potential. Given these realities, a fragmented or purely aesthetic approach would have been insufficient. The project required a complete redesign of the entire site , conceived on a scale appropriate to the whole.
Working with the terrain: terraces, levels and pathways
The project's transformation began with a complete reinvention of circulation patterns and the relationship to the site. Cabinet Berengere Leroy structured the site by creating terraces, stabilizing the levels and organizing pathways in a fluid and natural way.
These terraces are not merely technical elements: they form the landscape framework of the project. They redefine uses, create a hierarchy of outdoor spaces, and guide the eye towards the surrounding landscape. Each movement becomes a progressive experience, designed to reveal views and structure the property as a whole.
Water as a structuring architectural element
Water plays a central role in the design. A series of twelve overflowing pools has been created, interacting with the natural slope of the land and enhancing the sense of depth and perspective.
The swimming pool, extended by an infinity jacuzzi, seamlessly integrates with this architectural continuity. It becomes a focal point where the building, the landscape, and the outdoor living spaces converge. Overlooking this ensemble, a 350 m² panoramic terrace has been designed as a true open-air living space, offering breathtaking views of the pools and the Provençal landscape.
Redesigning buildings: a contemporary architectural language
The existing buildings underwent a meticulous redesign. The volumes were reworked to improve legibility, while the openings were rethought to frame views and strengthen the connection with the outside.
Shade sails have been integrated to address climatic constraints while lending a contemporary touch to the overall design. The custom- designed ironwork plays both a functional and aesthetic role: it structures the facades, filters the light, and contributes to the architectural identity of the project.
The whole thus finds a subtle balance between modernity, elegance and integration into the Provençal landscape.
Interior architecture: extending the coherence of the project
The interior architecture was conceived as a natural extension of the exterior intervention. The aesthetic approach is based on a clean and fluid style, promoting the continuity of spaces and the flow of light.
The white polished concrete floors unify the spaces and enhance the feeling of openness, while the large windows blur the line between indoors and outdoors. The carefully chosen furniture reflects this pursuit of elegant simplicity, allowing the architecture and landscape to take center stage.
Each internal choice contributes to the overall coherence of the project, in a logic of harmony and accuracy.
A property transformed into an exceptional place
Thanks to this architectural metamorphosis, the group of 70s houses has become a contemporary luxury property, both glamorous and deeply rooted in its territory.
Today, the venue hosts photo shoots for major luxury brands, prestigious seasonal rentals, as well as weddings and exceptional events. This diversity of uses testifies to the added value created by a comprehensive architectural approach, where every detail contributes to the quality and appeal of the location.
Metamorphosis as a comprehensive architectural approach
This project illustrates the vision of the Berengere Leroy Architecture Firm: to consider renovation as a fully-fledged architectural act. Reading the existing structure, understanding the site, working with the landscape, and considering uses holistically allows for the transformation of a characterless building into a unique, sustainable, and deeply inhabited space.
In Provence , more than anywhere else, renovation demands a sensitive and exacting approach, capable of revealing the potential of a place while respecting its environment. It is within this philosophy that every transformation project undertaken by Maison Berengere Leroy is rooted.
