Inside a rural, contemporary French home by Brengues Le Pavec architectes

Brengues Le Pavec architectes has completed a rural home in Hérault, France as a “space of refuge and fulfillment.” Built on a sloping site at the end of a valley, the home’s design seeks to emphasize integration and subtlety. 

Structured between two horizontal plateaus, the house reflects the topography of the land, creating a “floating” effect that respects the delicate landscape. Large glazed sections dominate the façade, inviting the outdoors in and establishing uninterrupted views.

“To think of a living space as a dwelling is to think of a space of refuge and fulfillment,” the team notes. “The site here has an exceptional character, it is an exclusive place, where the notion of integration into a landscape takes on its full meaning.”

The home is divided into two distinct zones. The open and transparent section houses the kitchen, living room, and a spacious covered terrace that extends the living space. In contrast, the private section accommodates bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom and storage, inspired by the functional layout of luxury hotels. The property also features a rectangular swimming pool with terraces designed as viewing platforms, emphasizing its connection to the surrounding environment.

Built with a steel structure, the home adheres to a rational construction logic. Hidden frames and rails maximize transparency, while structured cladding on the bedroom side contrasts with smooth floor strips. Inside, natural-colored mineral flooring extends outdoors, enhancing spatial continuity while wooden ceilings provide warmth, complementing the sleek design.