New build project with ensemble of 3 timber buildings arranged to form a sheltered courtyard. Prefabricated build with western red cedar cladding by english architect Tom HOLDOM
Western Red Cedar over the years will take on silvery grey tones
Flat roof link entrance building sits at the junction between the Main 2 storey wing and the single storey guest accommodation. All clad in Western Red Cedar
Flat roof link entrance building sits at the junction between the 2 wings. Clad in Western Red Cedar
Open plan living with double height area showing link bridge above and limestone flooring underfloor heating
New build with overhanging roof which shelters external walkway and south facing glazing from excessive heat gain
internal view showing gallery walkway across double height space

cedar + slate

Location: RIEC SUR BELON (29)
Project: New Build House
Scope: Full Architectural Service (Mission Complète)
Area: 217 m²
Planning Permission: 2012
Completion: 2014

Architectural Description

A low-energy new build house with a prefabricated timber-framed structure, clad in western red cedar beneath a protective overhanging slate roof.
To create a sheltered and cohesive outdoor space, the three principal building volumes are arranged around a central courtyard.
The main house is composed of two wings, with an small, flat roofed entrance building located at their intersection.

  • The north wing, built over two storeys, contains the main living areas on the ground floor, facing south, and the principal bedroom on the first floor.
  • The west wing, on a single level, accommodates two guest bedrooms, with their main façades opening onto the courtyard.
  • The garage, is positioned along the southern boundary of the site, completing the U-shaped layout around the courtyard.

The west gable of the main house is extensively glazed to take advantage of open views toward the garden capturing the beautiful evening light at both the ground-floor living area and the first-floor master bedroom balcony. The slate roof sails beyond the building line sheltering the balcony and forming a sheltered ground floor terrace.

Technical Description

The building is constructed using off-site fabricated timber-frame wall panels, which are lifted into position on site. Once erected, the full depth of the wall panel is filled with blown cellulose fiber insulation, creating a high-performance, breathable external envelope.
The overhanging eaves provides protection from excessive summer solar gains while allowing low-angle winter sunlight to penetrate the building, reducing heating demand during colder months.

Space heating and domestic hot water are provided by an air-source heat pump, supplemented by solar panels for domestic hot water production.
To optimise thermal performance and indoor air quality, the ventilation system incorporates heat recovery: extracted air passes through a heat exchanger, pre-heating the incoming fresh air before it is distributed throughout the living spaces.

Site plan: showing arrangement of 3 buildings to form a sheltered courtyard
Ground floor plan: showing the 2 timber framed wings and flat roofed link building
First floor plan: showing link bridge to access master bedroom
Elevation: North and East façades showing timber cladding and slate roof with overhanging eaves
Elevation: South and West façades with overhanging roof forming a sheltered terrace to the West, and solar panels on the south facing roof.

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