BRUT architectes clads low energy house in france with translucent panels

in northwestern france, BRUT architectes has designed a low energy dwelling conceived as a large greenhouse. built for a young family, ‘PEN.DU’ is situated on a relatively large plot of land in a residential area of pénestin. externally clad with translucent paneling, the scheme comprises a large wooden platform, elevated above the ground and topped with an enclosed volume that contains the home’s primary living accommodation.

all images by maxime castric

covered with a pitched roof, the remainder of the house has been conceived by BRUT architectes as an experimental greenhouse that remains somewhat open to the elements. incorporating swings, netting, and a climbing wall, these areas provide space for both storage and recreation. an adjacent workshop is also included as part of the project, positioned to protect the western façade from prevailing winds.

the dwelling has been conceived as an experimental greenhouse

from an environmental perspective, the design focuses on passive solar contribution and retaining heat generated throughout the day. translucent cladding reveals the building’s timber frame, which in turn hides the scheme’s straw bale insulation. the elevated nature of the dwelling reduces the impact on the ground below, while the use of bio-sourced materials limits the building’s carbon footprint.

the residential scheme includes swings, netting, and a climbing wall

as well as framing views of the surrounding landscape, large windows to the south maximize solar gain in winter, while northern openings provide ventilation for the home’s bathrooms. in addition, rainfall collected from the large roof surface is stored and reused. the entire project was completed on a budget of just €165,000.

large windows to the south maximize solar gain in winter

open areas provide sheltered space for recreation

an adjacent workshop is positioned to protect the western façade from prevailing winds

‘PEN.DU’ is situated on a relatively large plot of land in a residential area of pénestin

at night, the property is brightly illuminated from within

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