C.22

Project C.22 / Renovation of a Guesthouse Barn & Timber-Clad Extensions

Project C.22 transforms a former barn into a refined guesthouse while adding two new wooden-clad extensions to the main house in Castries. The intervention reconnects with the rural character of the site while introducing a contemporary architectural language rooted in material authenticity and subtle references to Mexican design.

The barn, originally in a state of severe disrepair, required a full structural reconstruction. Only three exterior stone walls could be preserved. The entire chainage was rebuilt, the roof structure was replaced, new exterior joinery was installed, and the building received complete thermal insulation. This comprehensive restoration brought the volume back to life while respecting its original fabric.

Inside, the atmosphere is shaped by warm, natural materials and a palette inspired by Mexico, earthy tones, crafted details, and a tactile simplicity. A continuous lime-polished concrete floor unifies the space and enhances its mineral identity. Wooden elements soften the interior and create a gentle dialogue with the stone walls and metal details, adding depth and warmth to the overall composition.

At the centre of the guesthouse, a sculptural mirror-clad cube conceals the sanitary spaces. This contemporary insertion captures and reflects light, visually expands the interior, and creates a striking contrast within the rustic envelope of the barn. Its reflective surfaces introduce a subtle sense of abstraction, anchoring the project in a contemporary architectural discourse.

The exterior spaces were also redesigned to reinforce the project’s coherence. A curved stone wall was built using stones salvaged from the original demolition, extending the life of the material and reconnecting the site with its past through an act of thoughtful re-use. Landscaping was reconfigured to integrate the extensions with the existing house, and the façade stonework was restored to unify the ensemble.

Project C.22 revives a deteriorated rural structure and transforms it into an intimate, characterful guesthouse, blending traditional craftsmanship, structural renewal and contemporary design gestures. The result is a place that feels both rooted and renewed, respectful of its history yet unmistakably modern.