Maison des Vauches: Contemporary Renovation by Bertrand Van Dorp in Porrentruy, Switzerland

Nestled in the scenic Swiss Jura, Maison des Vauches by architect Bertrand Van Dorp is a masterful example of residential renovation that combines contemporary design with the preservation of an existing structure. Located at the quiet end of a long street in Porrentruy, Switzerland, this modest three-story house, originally built in the late 1960s, had fallen into disrepair. Although unremarkable in its original form, the building’s proportions, location, and core structure offered a significant opportunity for transformation rather than demolition.

Rather than replacing the house entirely, Van Dorp chose to repurpose and restore the existing structure, giving it a second life while respecting its original function as a family residence. This approach highlights the potential of adaptive reuse in residential architecture, turning a neglected property into a contemporary yet contextually sensitive home.

The renovation sought to introduce character and modernity without clashing with the neighboring conventional homes. Achieving this required a delicate balance between preservation and innovation. The house’s exterior now presents a refined white plaster façade with subtle textures, slender metallic elements, and elongated window openings that enhance verticality while maintaining the original proportions. A small entrance garden, bordered by a 40 cm concrete wall, separates the house from the street, while a metallic balcony canopy leads to a green door, reminiscent of the original shutter color.

Inside, the project embraces natural materials and craftsmanship. The ground floor, defined by 45 cm thick stone walls, provides a sense of stability and protection. Lower ceilings and muted lighting create intimate spaces that contrast with the openness of the upper floors. The first floor opens into a double-height living area, featuring exposed lasured beams and three generously sized windows, offering abundant natural light and spatial fluidity. The kitchen is subtly integrated along the wall, maintaining a clean, open plan.

A thin steel staircase leans against a double-height library, emphasizing verticality and connecting the interior with the surrounding landscape through a singular circular window. This design approach creates moments of visual connection with the outside while maximizing the experience of the interior spaces.

Maison des Vauches demonstrates how constraints in architecture can become opportunities for creativity. By thoughtfully integrating local materials, collaborating with carpenters, and respecting the original building’s proportions, Van Dorp transformed a seemingly ordinary 1960s house into a contemporary architectural statement. The home now balances simplicity, material warmth, and spatial sophistication, offering a model for sensitive residential renovations.

Key Features:

• Location: Porrentruy, Swiss Jura
• Architect: Bertrand Van Dorp
• Year: 2024
• Renovation Type: Residential, Adaptive Reuse
• Materials: Stone, wood, plaster, metal
• Notable Design: Double-height library, open-plan first floor, elongated façade windows

All photographs are works of  Sven Högger