The Village House began as a regular project, with a moderate budget, a normal plot, and neighbours on all sides. Yet within these constraints, diversity and character have been achieved, while keeping the construction and the detailing simple, to stay within budget.

A play with the size and profile of a typical house, the Village House assembles different volumes in a fanning plan. Each volume turns away from the neighbouring houses and is strategically directed toward the lush vegetation.

The outdoor spaces between the volumes form a series of differently oriented terraces, which enjoy the sun at different hours of the day, providing, for instance, an intimate space for a breakfast, or a generous deck for garden lunches and barbeques in the evening.

Inside, the converging volumes form a big living room. Large alcoves in the ‘fingers’ offer more private spaces for repose, without necessarily being completely cut off from the domestic life in the heart of the house. The intersection of all the rooflines produces an unusual space with several skylights, which bring direct sunlight into the house, and open views to the tree canopy. The Village House is BESSARDs Studio’s take on a typical summer cottage, giving every family member an individual space to relax, and all the opportunities to be together.