Burgundy Garage

A Burgundian complex comprising garage, office and living space in the heart of Burgundy. The total build cost was approximately £90,000.

The client:

Tim and Sarah are ex-patriots with a love of good food, wine and all things quality.

Design brief:

To create a space for Tim and Sarah’s extensive wine collection and fridges and an inspiring retreat for Tim to work and        contemplate. Garage space for three vehicles was also required. And the habitable area needed to be secure and comfortable during extreme weather conditions – hot and cold.

Challenges encountered:

The logistics of a turn-key project in another country were many. Dealing with the very bureaucratic planning department in France and ensuring the delivery of a space that was conducive to working and living proved interesting. And throughout the project, emphasis really did have to be on excellent thermal performance.

Solutions:

The whole structure was designed and manufactured in our UK workshops in Herefordshire; it was transported by a 40 tonne articulated lorry to its final destination. The groundworks were remotely managed using a French contractor, and the building was subsequently installed and finished off to the last detail by our own staff. Bespoke insulation details were designed to work with an air conditioning and filtration system, keeping the building at a cool 20 degrees all year-round – even with outside temperatures of -15 °C or 40 °C.

Key features:

The post-and-beam style oak frame with curved braces throughout the whole building make it just that bit more special and the beautiful feature trusses in the living and office area bestow character and charm. The under-cover space for three vehicles enhances the building whilst the bespoke, hand-made cedar and oak doors and windows give a rustic, stylish edge. The wall and roof U value of 0.14 W/m2K.

Why we like it:

Burgundy is known for its wine, history, landscape, art and architecture; the building sits effortlessly in the region, entirely in keeping with its surroundings. A unique fragment of England, at home in this beautiful French location. The striking clay roof tiles, the refined elegance of the shutters and the smart aluminium guttering give the building a distinctly French appearance, whereas the presence and standing of the oak frame are characteristically British. It helps that it takes only ten minutes to drive to some of France’s top vineyards!