Two axes marked two choices in the site making : Firstly, the accompaniment of the slope, in order to work on the establishment of regular level. Like terraces in the landscape, a journey consisted by Corten steel sheets is created to accompany the arrival at home while building the landscape discovery. Then, the choice of the sequence was made.Rather than revealing the entire surrounding landscape, the choice is made to develop, in the house, a scenario that consists several stories where each sequence present a new discovery. Three built undulating bodies take place in the slope and stretch as slender overhanging the landscape. Interconnected by a simple entity, new spaces are made possible by the establishment of protected terraces and outdoor spaces.

To enjoy the view without creating overheating effect, a specific work setting thickness of the ends is made. So at each end of the rolling bodies expansion of the facade is made, constitute and protected by large sun breezes that can be opened fully with a rotation system : Wider in South to ensure that sun protection, the thickness in the North provide a visual filter protecting the privacy of the place.

The materiality of the stone creating an imbalance in the door overhang, combined with large bay windows protected by wooden sun breezes offer a simple writing stating the spatial quality and value of a specified environment.

Agency presentation
Elodie Nourrigat and Jacques Brion are graduated from the Ecole Nationale Superieure d’Architecture de Montpellier (ENSAM) and obtained in 2002 a Master of Philosophy degree. Elodie Nourrigat has obtained in 2011 a PhD in Architecture. They are also teachers at the Ecole Nationale Superieure d’Architecture de Montpellier (ENSAM).

The current structure of the agency brings a structured team of professionals with expertise in architecture, urban planning, sustainable environmental issues and engaging in programs to explore new way of project development. Their projects join different scales, whether architectural or urban.

Their work has been recognized through various awards. In September 2008, they were invited to the 11th Architectural Biennale in Venice in the French Pavilion. The same year, they were awarded by the prize “Europe 40 under 40”, price distinguishing the top 40 agencies under 40 years in Europe. The project of the Activity Park of Camalcé in Gignac, was distinguished by the ” International Award 2009 ” price, attributed by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum. They carry their education abroad, whether is at Laval University in Quebec City (Canada), RMIT in Melbourne (Australia), Tohoku University in Sendai (Japan), College of Design at the University of Kentucky (USA) . Invested in the dissemination of architecture culture, they create and organize since 2006, the Festival des Architectures Vives, which invites young architects to intervene in the courtyards of mansions in Montpellier city and in the city of La Grande Motte.

Elodie NOURRIGAT & Jacques BRION Architects
Associated with the office NBJ Architectes
2 rue Saint Côme – 34000 Montpellier
Phone : +33 4 67 92 51 17 – Fax : + 33 4 67 92 51 77

Data sheet
Official project name: Construction of a new individual house
Location: Montferrier sur Lez (34) France
Client: Private
Architects / designers:
Elodie NOURRIGAT & Jacques BRION/architectes
Project Area: 170m2
Delivery date: May 2013
Photographer: Paul KOZLOWSKI ©photoarchitecture photoarchitecture.com