located on a tiny plot of land at the heart of the hérault valley, this country villa in the south of france has been designed by local architecture studio artelabo. named ‘villa tranquille’ — or ‘quiet house’ — the structure is completely enclosed on three sides, with views oriented towards the picturesque rolling landscape. the overall geometry of the home is based on a repeated sequence of four volumes. contained behind a peripheral wall, each volume is paired with an adjacent courtyard that ensures natural light and ventilation.

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the dwelling is located on a tiny plot of land at the heart of france’s hérault valley
all images © MC lucat

 

 

designed for a mediterranean lifestyle, the house encourages outdoor living — particularly during warmer seasons. finished with a white cement render, the dwelling’s external shape refers to the archetypal image of a provincial french villa. internally, a system of sliding doors is aligned to create an enfilade, while artelabo’s consistent use of flooring helps blur the division between indoor and outdoor space. the secret door that leads from the final courtyard to an open terrace recalls mashrabiya patterns, common to arabic architecture and design.

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the entrance to the single storey home

artelabo-villa-tranquille-quiet-house-herault-valley-south-of-france-designboom-02
living accommodation is organized around a series of internal courtyards

artelabo-villa-tranquille-quiet-house-herault-valley-south-of-france-designboom-02
a door that leads from the final courtyard recalls mashrabiya patterns

artelabo-villa-tranquille-quiet-house-herault-valley-south-of-france-designboom-02
a system of sliding doors is aligned to create an enfilade

artelabo-villa-tranquille-quiet-house-herault-valley-south-of-france-designboom-02
a consistent use of flooring helps blur the division between indoor and outdoor space

artelabo-villa-tranquille-quiet-house-herault-valley-south-of-france-designboom-02
large openings overlook the picturesque landscape

artelabo-villa-tranquille-quiet-house-herault-valley-south-of-france-designboom-02
the house encourages outdoor living

artelabo-villa-tranquille-quiet-house-herault-valley-south-of-france-designboom-02
the structure is completely enclosed on three sides

 

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artelabo villa tranquille quiet house herault valley south of france designboom
 
artelabo villa tranquille quiet house herault valley south of france designboom
 
artelabo villa tranquille quiet house herault valley south of france designboom
 
artelabo villa tranquille quiet house herault valley south of france designboom
 
artelabo villa tranquille quiet house herault valley south of france designboom
 
artelabo villa tranquille quiet house herault valley south of france designboom
 
artelabo villa tranquille quiet house herault valley south of france designboom
 
artelabo villa tranquille quiet house herault valley south of france designboom
 

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