POG House by NODE architectes – A Contemporary Interpretation of Brittany’s Architectural Heritage

Located in the coastal town of Arradon, Brittany, France, the POG House designed by NODE architectes reinterprets traditional regional architecture through a modern lens. With a surface area of 115 m², the residence combines local building traditions with contemporary design principles, creating a house that both respects its neighborhood context and introduces innovative spatial qualities.

Architectural Context: Between Tradition and Modernity

Brittany is known for its strong cultural identity, deeply tied to its language, gastronomy, oceanic landscape, and architectural heritage. Traditional Breton houses are typically built from granite with small protective openings and slate roofs sourced historically from Angers. However, the reality of modern construction has shifted toward concrete block houses coated in white with imported stone slate gable roofs—a typology that dominates residential developments from the 1980s.

The POG House emerges within this suburban fabric, aiming to integrate seamlessly into the existing context while responding to the client’s vision for a modern home. Adding to the challenge, the site is subject to special heritage regulations, requiring approval by a council architect specializing in historically sensitive architecture.

Design Strategy: Subtle Innovation within Local Codes

NODE architectes respected the neighborhood’s architectural vocabulary by using white masonry plaster as the main exterior finish, echoing surrounding homes. Instead of slate roofing—no longer locally produced—the architects introduced dark-colored aluminum panels, referencing traditional slate while embracing modern durability and aesthetics.

The design reinterprets the classic gable roof, increasing its slope from the conventional 45° to 60°, resulting in a more slender and refined silhouette. This adjustment not only modernizes the house’s appearance but also creates unique interior spatial experiences.

Spatial Qualities: Light, Volume, and Atmosphere

Inside, the house is designed around the interplay of light and openness. The double-height living room serves as the heart of the home, offering a dramatic and airy space that accommodates the client’s passion for playing the harp.

Large south-facing openings connect the interior to the garden, blurring the boundary between indoors and outdoors. In contrast, the north-facing façades remain more closed, framing views toward existing mature trees and ensuring privacy.

Upstairs, the steeply pitched roof creates atypical bedroom volumes reminiscent of Indian teepees. One room offers a treehouse-like perspective, while another overlooks the living area below, enhancing the sense of openness and connectivity.

Throughout the home, a neutral white palette amplifies natural light, while wooden floors and window frames add warmth and intimacy, balancing the architectural clarity with a sense of coziness.

Conclusion: A Contemporary Breton House

The POG House by NODE architectes demonstrates how regional traditions can be reimagined through a modern architectural language. By respecting heritage codes while introducing thoughtful innovation, the project bridges the gap between historical continuity and contemporary living.

All photographs are works of François Dantart