- Project: Landscape House
- Architect: Maud Caubet Architects
- Location: France, Lit-et-Mixe, Landes
- Year: 2024
- Area: 178 m2
Set in the lush forests of Lit-et-Mixe, Landes, France, the Landscape House by Maud Caubet is a striking example of sustainable architecture that harmonizes with its natural surroundings. Completed in 2024, the residence extends a 2018 project, evolving into a 178 m² eco-friendly retreat designed for a private client. The project’s guiding philosophy is simple yet profound—create a modular, evolving home that blends into the forest and celebrates the nearby Atlantic coast.
Elevated Living Among the Pines
From the start, Maud Caubet embraced a biophilic design strategy. Perched on concrete stilts, the home aligns with the towering pine trees, offering a respectful contrast to the landscape. Its H-shaped floor plan allows for unobstructed views of the forest and ocean, while raw concrete staircases lead to expansive terraces that invite nature inside.
The home’s exterior is wrapped in dark brown Landes maritime pine, creating a bark-like texture that complements its wooded setting. Prefabricated timber-frame walls, made by a local artisan, ensure minimal on-site disruption—preserving the native soil and reducing environmental impact. A shaded under-house space offers cool respite during summer, and a discreet lap pool nestles beneath the second volume.
Modular Architecture for the Future
The Landscape House is intentionally designed to grow. Currently composed of two connected volumes, it anticipates the addition of more modules over time. The larger west volume includes the living area, open kitchen, garage, and two bedrooms, all oriented to the south with a shaded terrace. The second volume serves as a private master suite with a bedroom, office, bathroom, and west-facing terrace for sunset views.
These two “cabins” are linked via a sheltered passageway that enhances privacy while maintaining cohesion. Inside, the ambiance is shaped by the landscape’s colors—forest green, ocean blue, bark brown—further extending into a central patio that blurs boundaries between interior and exterior spaces.
Eco-Friendly Systems and Design Features
Sustainability is embedded in every aspect of the design:
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RT2012-compliant insulation ensures high thermal performance.
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The green roof regulates temperature and promotes biodiversity.
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Adjustable wooden louvers provide both sun control and privacy.
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The radiant underfloor heating system and thermodynamic water heater (270L) reduce energy consumption.
Interior Harmony and Material Integrity
The interior layout prioritizes function, flow, and connection to nature. Large aluminum-framed, double-glazed windows offer abundant natural light and thermal efficiency. Every room is designed with views in mind, drawing inspiration from the textures and tones of the forest outside.
The Landscape House by Maud Caubet isn’t just a home—it’s a living structure that adapts to its environment and owners’ needs over time. A masterclass in modular, low-impact architecture, this residence stands as a blueprint for future-forward residential design.
