Adaptive Transformation

The Bornet House occupies a former rubble-masonry barn at the core of Ollon, where buildings form a compact village fabric. The ground floor becomes a continuous living space articulated by a central utility zone. A gentle level shift separates the elevated bedroom from the living room, giving the sitting area additional height while maintaining compatibility with the existing wall openings.

Dialogue with the Village

All original openings are preserved to retain the barn’s historic character. Only the west facade, rebuilt for structural reasons, introduces a full-width window that frames expansive views across the Rhône Valley. The bedroom opens directly onto a small terrace, extending the interior toward the surrounding Alpine landscape without altering the building’s outward modesty.

Light, Ventilation, Privacy

The lateral openings reinterpret traditional wooden screen walls once used to ventilate agricultural structures. Aligned with the exterior wall, the new screens filter light and views, offering privacy while maintaining the barn’s porous identity. This contemporary gesture maintains continuity with the region’s architectural vocabulary.

Material Clarity

The basement level accommodates an office, bathroom, and partly embedded plant room. Across the main floor, a black-stained exposed concrete slab contrasts with walls clad in equally darkened wood panels. These choices create a cohesive, tactile interior that underscores the project’s blend of heritage and modern intervention.

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