On the road to "Rontalon"

Contemporary Extension to a Stone House

The project is located in the rural village of Chaussan, between Lyon and Saint-Étienne. The existing house is built from local stone and forms an L-shaped arrangement with the former agricultural buildings, creating a gravel courtyard at its centre. The new timber-frame extension naturally continues this composition, extending the house along the line of the original stone wall.

The courtyard becomes the true entrance to the home and the heart of the project. The existing plane tree has been carefully preserved and relocated, reinforcing the character of the space and giving it the atmosphere of a traditional village square.

The timber extension deliberately contrasts with the historic stone building while maintaining a harmonious dialogue with it. The warm tones of the natural larch complement the colour of the local stone. Lower in height than the existing house, the extension nestles into the landscape. Its flat roof reduces its visual impact and allows uninterrupted views across the surrounding countryside.

The extension accommodates several complementary functions. Adjacent to the existing house, a bright new living room extends the main living spaces. At its centre, a naturally lit workshop benefits from generous south-facing openings. At the eastern end, a large timber-clad garage completes the composition with a more enclosed volume.

This is also a project defined by careful detailing. The courtyard façade is protected by a larch timber sun screen that gives rhythm and depth to the elevation. Between the façade and the screen, a planted strip creates a soft transition between the building and the courtyard. A timber deck connects the living room and workshop beneath the shade of the plane tree, creating generous outdoor living spaces that open towards the surrounding landscape.

Technical Specifications

• Mixed timber and concrete extension to an existing house.
• Timber-frame walls with selected reinforced concrete elements.
• Flat roof with glued laminated timber beams and solid timber joists.
• Pearl grey powder-coated aluminium windows and doors.
• Waterproof roof membrane over timber panels with a green shingle finish.
• Natural larch timber cladding and external sun screens.
• Electric radiant panel heating.
• Natural ventilation.
• Oak flooring and polished concrete screed.