Self-built, this intervention on a suburban house aimed to do more with less, making the most of the impact of each design decision. In addition to a full renovation of the existing structure, a 19 m² extension was added—not only to create a new living room, but also to unlock new layout possibilities for the original 65 m².

A large, open-plan living space was thus freed up on the ground floor, generating fluid connections between areas. At its center, the open kitchen with its central island acts as a pivot between the dining area, located near the entrance, and the living room in the newly added volume. Thanks to a large, full-height corner bay window in aluminum, the living room opens widely onto a 300 m² garden and provides access to a generous terrace, which also connects directly to the kitchen. When the weather allows, the exterior becomes a seamless extension of the indoor space. To enhance natural lighting, the north-facing extension includes a generous skylight, bathing the room in daylight throughout the day. Upstairs, every square meter is optimized, allowing for the creation of two bedrooms, including a slightly larger master bedroom. The staircase and bathroom, each lit by a roof window (Velux), are tucked under the sloping roof.

Finally, the extension is clad in open-joint burnt wood siding, using the ancestral Japanese technique of Shou Sugi Ban. This material, which requires no maintenance for over 80 years, gives the project a contemporary, raw, and natural aesthetic.