Mountain RescueA timber cabin within a Languedoc ruin

This small outpost preserves and adapts a dilapidated stone ruin into guest accommodation at a historic water mill in the Languedoc region of southern France. Accessible only by an unpaved path, the new building was designed in the United Kingdom and transported to the site in a single van.

The building preserves the delicate stone ruin by placing a separate timber shell within it. Built from Douglas Fir with an Iroko structure, it was adapted on site to fit the idiosyncrasies of the crumbling stone walls. Clay roof tiles were salvaged from collapsed portions of the original structure and used to construct a new roof. Portions of the structure were rebuilt with back-fill pointing so as to retain its character.

The reimagined off-grid building rests lightly on the land. Inside, a woodburning stove heats the bedroom and water for the en-suite bathroom. Sheep’s wool insulation and an array of photovoltaic panels complete this remote yet comfortable accommodation.

Photography: www.sarahblee.com

A timber structure that calls attention to the beauty of the stone ruin.