Perched on the edge of the Isère Valley in Grenoble, France, the Bioclimatic Contemporary House by Indy Architectes offers a seamless blend of modern design and environmental harmony. The project revitalizes an old vineyard house into a 1,900 square foot home with breathtaking views of the Belledonne mountain chain. The challenge was to balance expansive glazing for panoramic vistas with exceptional energy performance. Indy Architectes met this challenge by incorporating part of the construction into the site’s slope, leveraging the thermal inertia and comfort of “troglodyte” volumes.
A striking stamped raw concrete retaining wall anchors the home, echoing the natural rock strata and minimizing environmental impact. The upper floor, containing bedrooms and night areas, functions as a sunshade, enhancing thermal comfort while maintaining unobstructed landscape views. This elevated section, surrounded by wooden sunshades, acts as a protective awning over the glazed living spaces below.
Large sliding glass doors in the main living room allow for seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, making the house a versatile space for all seasons. During winter, it serves as a cozy sanctuary, while in summer, it transforms into an open, airy extension of the garden. Indy Architectes’ Bioclimatic Contemporary House exemplifies how thoughtful design can create a home that is both a haven of comfort and a celebration of its natural surroundings.
In other recent architecture news, see Feather House by Irving Smith Architects.