Simplicity and elegance thanks to the combination of wood and brick
A contemporary design for a family home in Paris with the NATURE7 Brick W
Maison G, built by HARDEL LE BIHAN ARCHITECTES on the outskirts of Paris, is an example of harmonious integration between tradition and modernity. This private residential project is distinguished by its elegant sobriety and its controlled use of Vande Moortel’s NATURE7 Brick W, which gives the building a strong identity while adapting to the architectural landscape of the neighborhood.
A remarkable contextual integration
Maison G is located in a neighborhood with heterogeneous constructions, where modest houses rub shoulders with more imposing collective housing. To respond to this architectural diversity, the architects opted for a monolithic brick design, which ensures a fluid transition between the two types of buildings. The building stands out with its facade in NATURE7 Brick W, a gray brick with subtle nuances, which, according to the architects, brings “durability and know-how” to the project. The choice of NATURE7 Brick W is not insignificant. The architect explains: “We were looking for a grey-tinted brick with a moulded finish and shades of colour. We found exactly what we were looking for in the NATURE7 Brick W reference.” This choice of colour and texture reinforces the visual harmony of the project with the surrounding buildings, while giving it a unique character.
A design focused on light and privacy
The organization of the space responds to a desire for privacy and comfort while maximizing the supply of natural light. Maison G extends over a plot of land 7 meters wide and 22 meters long. To respect the privacy of the occupants, the street-side façade has a limited glass surface. Inside, however, large openings onto the garden provide light and offer a soothing visual connection with the greenery. The path between the exterior and the interior is cleverly orchestrated. A mashrabiya construction of the brick serves as a fence, creating a first visual filter. Followed by a porch on the ground floor, this airlock allows a gentle transition to the intimate space of the house, an approach that reflects the architect's concern for the well-being of the inhabitants.
A contemporary homage to the brick workers' house
Maison G is also a contemporary nod to the tradition of brick workers' houses. The architects were able to modernize this style by integrating distinctive elements such as a flat roof, mashrabiyas, and a brick terrace. This design harmoniously combines past and present, while expressing a resolutely contemporary aesthetic. “We wanted to be part of a continuity of the traditional brick workers’ house but with a contemporary architectural language and implementation,” says the architect. In addition to the brick, the larch wood used for the large openings adds a touch of warmth and contrast to the mineral façade. This combination of natural materials – gray brick and wood – symbolizes the simplicity and elegance sought by the architects, while creating a visual and sensory balance.
Sustainability written into the materials
Beyond its aesthetics, the choice of the NATURE7 Brick W brick also meets a requirement for sustainability. The solidity of this brick ensures a long life for the building, which is in line with Hardel Le Bihan's commitment to sustainable projects. "We systematically ensure that we use resistant materials in order to guarantee real sustainability for the projects we build," explains the architect. In addition, the NATURE7 series is an example of the ECO-7-size format, which results in fewer CO2 emissions during production.
Thus, Maison G is a successful example of a modern family residence, designed to adapt to its environment while asserting its own identity. Thanks to the NATURE7 Brick W, this house is not only a place to live but an architectural work that dialogues with its context, while offering comfort and sustainability to its inhabitants.
