Site Specific: Chamboirat Barn
Cove Architectes - Auvergne, France, 2023
Axel Cornu and Gabriel Verret founded their Paris-based practice Cove Architectes in 2018. They have since developed a sensibility for combining three key aspects of construction; the history and previous life of a site, the use of local bio-sourced or reclaimed materials and the judgement and skills of local artisans. For Axel and Gabriel the combination of these elements allows them to exceed the purely historical or ecological aspects of a project and hone in on its particular character.
This project, a barn ‘conversion’ in Ebreuil, France, demonstrates a lightness of touch and spareness which carefully balances the building’s existing character with the adaptations and remedial works required to give the building further longevity and comfort. The restrained palette of oak, plaster and clay brick underscores an atmosphere that is at once both traditional and a break from the past.
CA The aim of this project was to transform an ancient farmhouse into a family home in Chamboirat, a small hamlet in Auvergne’s countryside. This two-century-old longère was a common agricultural heritage in this part of France. Once inside, we discovered what made this place exceptional: 9-meter-high stone masonry walls, a complex wooden framework, and fantastic volumes. The whole place showcased remarkable materiality. When our client expressed his wish to turn it into a home where he could gather his family for years to come, we agreed that this intervention should primarily respect the distinctive character of the site.
Although this ancient farmhouse had certain material and volumetric qualities, it also presented major constraints. First, the building was in very poor condition. Constructed in the early 19th century, it had been sparsely occupied and maintained since then. Only a few partial renovation works had been undertaken in the 1980s, which had actually contributed to its long- term deterioration.
Located in the bed of a river (La Sioule), this building was subject to serious humidity issues, worsened by these partial works. The addition of cement plaster to the walls, as well as cement slabs and waterproof tiles on the floor, had caused capillary rise in the stone walls of the facades and partitions, threatening them with decay. While the wooden framework was in acceptable condition, the roofing showed numerous signs of sagging and porosity. Waterproofing was no longer assured in several places, allowing rain and birds to easily enter the building. Thus, this old farmhouse was unfit for habitation.
Although identified in the land registry as a dwelling, the building was primarily occupied by a large central volume that included a barn and a stable, originally intended for livestock and harvests. Two formerly habitable parts at the ends had since become uninhabitable. These three parts of the building were separated by thick partition walls, forcing passage through the exterior to reach one or the other.
Ensuring the longevity and comfort of this building required a significant intervention, involving selective creation and destruction. Our main challenge was to ensure that our actions respected the built heritage of this structure and did not alter what we perceived as its fundamental qualities.
Moved by the strong character of this old farmhouse, we prioritized a careful and subtle rehabilitation, favoring the continuation of its built culture over disruptive actions. This is why we emphasised the use of minimally processed local materials and artisanal techniques, inspired by the craftsmanship employed in the original construction of the building. The stabilisation of the thick stone walls was achieved through lime chainings and selective repairs using cut stones. The existing framework, preserved down to the struts, was complemented by new oak beams, rafters, and planks, treated to ensure a unified appearance between the new and old parts. The replacement of the roof tiles allowed for the integration of external insulation, making all the structural elements of the framework visible from the inside.
To allow the building to breathe better, we removed the cement slabs and coatings. A hemp concrete slab was then installed over a ventilated crawl space and combined with breathable coverings (natural stone and terracotta tiles), allowing the floors to stop blocking the moisture that had previously risen into the facade walls. Once dry, these stone walls were coated with insulation made from lime and hemp, finished with a lime-sand mix. This resulted in healthy walls that provided better hygrothermal comfort inside while showcasing a raw and warm surface.
Transforming this farm building into a gathering place required creating a large central space where the whole family could come together. We therefore removed the stable wall that divided the central area in two, allowing for an open volume that encompasses the shared spaces: kitchen, dining room, and living room.
To open this area to the back garden, we created a large opening in the north facade, mirroring the existing gateway on the south facade. This new aperture was constructed with cut stone jambs and large solid oak lintels. Outside, the only modifications to the facades were the addition of white wooden shutters and glazed oak windows, while the existing outer coatings and exposed stones were intentionally left as they were.
Finally, all the bedrooms and bathrooms have been placed in the east and west wings, which were formerly habitable. Four openings were made in the partition walls to connect them to the central area. These partition walls were also extensively chipped and repointed so that the stone they are made of would be visible inside, echoing the materiality of the removed stable wall.
A range of targeted actions allowed us to provide the edifice with longevity and comfort without betraying its nature.