La Mira Ra by Aum Pierre Minassian
La Mira Ra house, located in the South of France, is the fruit of a long reflection about the marriage of the wild nature of the Mediterranean and the minimalist purity of contemporary architecture – a marriage resulting in a unique architectural project. Realized between 2015 and 2017 by Pierre Minassian and his team of architects, today the house offers its inhabitants an intimate opening towards the sea.
About La Mira Ra
Nature Meets Design
The design of this project focused on blending in with the surroundings. Set in a special area, every house had to use local stone. Mixing this rule with the architect’s love for plain concrete led to a great combination of the two.
The stone around the house helps it fit into the rocky setting. It also catches sunlight and gives off a warm shine.
Inside the House
Inside, the plain concrete gives a calm feel. Its smooth surface reflects the colors of the sunset. By keeping the concrete exposed, the architect showed off the different textures and unique marks on each surface.
The house uses the natural slope of the land to give villagers a clear view while also giving the house a great view of its own. The top part, where the bedrooms are, is just a bit above the ground. It has stairs that lead to a welcoming patio. This entrance is placed just right to offer a bit of privacy.
Hidden Spaces and Smart Features
Below, the main living areas stay hidden from view. This part holds the main bedroom, living room, and kitchen. It’s protected from outside eyes. The design is like a simple box and has big windows facing the sea. The floor inside stretches out, making the inside and outside feel connected. The living area can open up to a covered patio outside, giving a cool, open-air feel. The entrance and other openings also help bring in a cool breeze.
To block out too much sun, the house uses tall wooden shades. They change depending on where the sun is. Fixed shades on the top part keep out sunlight and nosy looks. Rooms with nice views have moving shades. The bottom part follows the same idea. The green roof on top keeps the house cool and helps it blend in from a distance.
To finish, the outdoor areas keep the natural feel. A path starts at the entrance, goes around the house, past the pool, and ends in a garden full of local plants.
Photography by Studio Erick Saillet
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- by Matt Watts
