old french house's renovation revives intricate wood flooring and wall frescoes

Macary Bensh Architecture renovates Terray House in Grenoble

French office Macary Bensh Architecture designs a 160 sqm apartment located in Grenoble on the mountainside of the Bastille. Only accessed through the pedestrian street, the ground level can be found after climbing by foot for ten minutes on a small path of high trees and intensive nature. The original structure served as a large family house and was split between four different owners.

The project takes over the renovation of the old orangery space that is linked to two generous sleeping rooms. The new program of Terray House aims to give autonomy to this part of the building, re-organizing the functions and adapting the space to today’s needs.

all images courtesy of Macary Bensh Architecture

the project balances old and new architectural features

The design team renovates the structure to fit for a family of four kids and a couple of parents. The key transformation involves relocating the entrance and expanding the corridor’s area by adding galleries to create a comfortable sleeping zone. This arrangement allows for the maintaining of the existing volume as close to the original as possible. The main objective of this project is to navigate carefully on the thin line between new and old, preserving the genius loci while breathing new life into the space.

the living space overlooks the three iconic towers of Grenoble and the Alpes

the renovation balances new and old features preserving the genius loci of the space

wooden lines and surfaces draw the conviviality of the kitchen and dining space

upon entering, an original fresco appears on the main living space wall

intricate wood flooring art adorns the space and was designed to fit the exact proportions of the area

the original cement flooring distinguishes the different uses and areas of the house

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the service and common areas are arranged within an elongated layout in the back of the house

the fireplace's wood sculpture is a focal point of the sleeping area

the lock detail on a glass door serves as a testament to the history of the house

the wine cave, an ancient military tunnel excavated into the mountain, becomes an extension of the living space

project info:

name: Terray House
architect: Macary Bensh Architecture | @macary.bensh

location: Grenoble, France

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom