Bioclimatic house in Auray: innovating tradition

In the heart of Brittany, in Auray, a passive house replaces an old dwelling, combining the principles of Feng Shui, local urban planning regulations, and the tenets of Frank Lloyd Wright's organic architecture.

The project stems from a necessary reconstruction

The reconstruction project, initially conceived as a house renovation, evolved after the discovery of the precarious conditions of the existing building. The plot is located in a restricted area, surrounded by medieval houses and historic buildings overlooking the port of Saint Goustan, a place famous for Benjamin Franklin's landing in 1776. In this historically rich context, the owners chose to create an ecological residence that also complies with local regulations.

Organic Architecture and Energy Sustainability

Following the advice of architect Patrice Bidau, the project followed the principles of organic architecture indicated by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1939, embracing common sense rules and the nature of materials. The house was designed as passive, with an annual energy consumption targeted at 35 kWhep/m². The choice of materials and construction techniques was intended to ensure efficiency and comfort, in line with future regulations on energy saving.

Traditional materials and modern performance

The north volume is made of concrete and insulated with rock wool, externally clad in Douglas fir and internally plastered. The load-bearing walls, along with the slab and internal partitions, increase the thermal mass, promoting heat accumulation. The wooden frame is filled with cellulose flakes, protected by a vapor barrier, and finished with natural materials. The first-floor floor integrates OSB, plaster, and linoleum, confirming the focus on ecological and functional solutions.

Climatic comfort and dialogue with the landscape

The low-pitched zinc roof is insulated with 300 mm of rock wool and completed with a vapor barrier and drywall, ensuring comfort in every season. Elements such as pergolas, balconies, and sliding slatted shutters improve natural ventilation and provide shading in the summer months. This bioclimatic strategy, combined with the use of wood and integration with vegetation, allows the house to harmoniously blend into the urban and natural landscape, maintaining a balance between tradition and innovation.

PEOPLE

Patrice Bidau