CTN House by Brengues Le Pavec Architectes: Minimalism Framed by Nature

  • Project: CTN House
  • Architect: Brengues Le Pavec Architectes
  • Location: France, Montpellier
  • Year: 2024
  • Area: 205 m2
  • Photography: Marie-Caroline Lucat

Set in the tranquil green surroundings of Montpellier, France, the CTN House by Brengues Le Pavec Architectes is a refined example of architectural contrast and thoughtful renovation. Covering 2,206 square feet (≈205 m²), this single-story residence seamlessly merges a compact original structure with a bold new extension—bridging eras, materials, and architectural philosophies.

A Site Transformed by Transparency

Originally characterized by closed and compact forms, the house failed to connect with its prime location near a public park. In response, the architects introduced a radical transformation: preserving the night zone for privacy and renovating it for intimacy, while extending the house with a highly transparent and open daytime zone.

The new layout redefines the spatial organization, introducing:

  • A clearly identified north-facing entrance

  • A south-facing pool surrounded by garden

  • Expansive glass façades that invite light and landscape indoors

Architecture Inspired by Mies van der Rohe

Drawing inspiration from the iconic Farnsworth House, the extension features a black steel frame with alternating panels of glass and shaded terraces. This assertive yet minimalist structure creates a pure architectural rhythm—transparent, linear, and elegantly horizontal.

The architecture celebrates contrast:

  • Between old and new

  • Between solid and void

  • Between constructed geometry and natural randomness

A Dialogue Between Levels

The new extension is set at an intermediary level between the elevated original house and the lower garden. A carefully placed staircase, the sole physical connector between the two structures, symbolizes both transition and cohesion. Light plays a vital role in this journey—used strategically to smooth the temporal and spatial divide.

The result is a subtle interplay of volumes and elevation, where the horizontality of the steel frame mirrors the organic irregularity of the surrounding vegetation and trees.

Materiality and Modernity

Materials are employed with clarity and precision:

  • Black metal provides structure and identity

  • Glass panels invite light and dissolve visual barriers

  • Terraces offer shaded zones for outdoor living

The entire residence breathes with light, air, and openness—qualities often reserved for stand-alone pavilions, yet fully realized here in an urban park-side home.

CTN House by Brengues Le Pavec Architectes: Minimalism Framed by Nature
Photography © Marie-Caroline Lucat
CTN House by Brengues Le Pavec Architectes: Minimalism Framed by Nature
Photography © Marie-Caroline Lucat
CTN House by Brengues Le Pavec Architectes: Minimalism Framed by Nature
Photography © Marie-Caroline Lucat
CTN House by Brengues Le Pavec Architectes: Minimalism Framed by Nature
Photography © Marie-Caroline Lucat
CTN House by Brengues Le Pavec Architectes: Minimalism Framed by Nature
Photography © Marie-Caroline Lucat
CTN House by Brengues Le Pavec Architectes: Minimalism Framed by Nature
Photography © Marie-Caroline Lucat
CTN House by Brengues Le Pavec Architectes: Minimalism Framed by Nature
Photography © Marie-Caroline Lucat
CTN House by Brengues Le Pavec Architectes: Minimalism Framed by Nature
Photography © Marie-Caroline Lucat
CTN House by Brengues Le Pavec Architectes: Minimalism Framed by Nature
Photography © Marie-Caroline Lucat
CTN House by Brengues Le Pavec Architectes: Minimalism Framed by Nature
Photography © Marie-Caroline Lucat
CTN House by Brengues Le Pavec Architectes: Minimalism Framed by Nature
Photography © Marie-Caroline Lucat
CTN House by Brengues Le Pavec Architectes: Minimalism Framed by Nature
Photography © Marie-Caroline Lucat
CTN House by Brengues Le Pavec Architectes: Minimalism Framed by Nature
Photography © Marie-Caroline Lucat
CTN House by Brengues Le Pavec Architectes: Minimalism Framed by Nature
Photography © Marie-Caroline Lucat
CTN House by Brengues Le Pavec Architectes: Minimalism Framed by Nature
Photography © Marie-Caroline Lucat

Posted by Brengues Le Pavec Architectes

Brengues Le Pavec Architectes is a contemporary architecture studio based in Montpellier, France, led by Julien Brengues and Lionel Le Pavec. The firm is known for its minimalist and elegant design approach, blending clean architectural lines with natural materials to create spaces that are timeless, functional, and contextually sensitive. Specializing in both architecture and interior design, the studio focuses on the balance between form and function, light and materiality. Their work is defined by simplicity, precision, and a strong connection between the built environment and its surrounding landscape. Every project is approached with a clear conceptual framework and attention to detail, resulting in refined spatial compositions that elevate everyday life. Brengues Le Pavec Architectes emphasizes sustainable design practices and innovative solutions, ensuring each space resonates with both purpose and aesthetic clarity. With a multidisciplinary vision and a commitment to quality, the studio continues to shape meaningful architectural experiences across various typologies.