The Rose House – LANCÔME
Readapting a house, building a new distillery and a warehouse
The estate – which is an exceptional horticultural site – has been cleared of all other buildings and contains now one single structure: La Maison Rose (the Rose House). This monochrome monolith, which retains its original footprint, is a new landmark in the Grasse landscape, echoing local plasterwork and the Lancôme brand.
The project aims at improving the site's agricultural activity by showcasing both its historical heritage and that of the Lancôme brand. On the one hand, the original restanques (Provençal stone terraces) and parts of the building have been restored, while on the other hand local floral species and perfume flowers have been planted to enhance the existing landscape and plant heritage.
As a result, the new farming buildings - the warehouse and the distillery - are fully integrated into the restanques’ vocabulary, blending with the natural landscape and enhancing the topographic lines which characterize the estate. The main house, a Provençal pavilion with volumes carved out by outdoor spaces and awnings, has been preserved and restored, using local materials and craftsmanship.
The visitors’ tour route, going through the flower field and into the ground via a majestic “Ô” at the entrance, is an invitation to discover every aspect of the estate.
The entire architectural design is based on a passive approach and sustainable solutions, notably with the implementation of a ground-coupled heat exchanger, straw insulation, underground constructions taking advantage of the soil’s coolness, and a particular attention paid to local craftsmanship.
This eco-friendly, resource- and material-efficient, contemporary and sober project draws its identity both from its historic local roots and from innovation. Similarly, the contemporary monolith embodied by the Rose house contrasts with the century-old farm on which it is set.
CREDITS
NeM Architectes: Adrien Picard
Project Manager Assistant: Theop
Environment Project Manager Assistant: Sowatt
Landscaping: Antoine Leclef
Consulting engineers - structure: Make ingénieurie
Consulting engineers – HVAC and utilities: Maya
Consulting engineers – Roadwork and various networks: Ivoire
Consulting engineers – Accoustics: Peutz & associés
Lightning design: Ingelux
Economist: VPEAS
