Maison Rouge – Musée des Vallées Cévenoles

This project consists of the refurbishment and extension of the silk mill known as Maison Rouge, in Saint-Jean-du-Gard, to house the Musée des Vallées Cévenoles. The architects Vurpas Architectes took on the twin challenge of preserving the remains of its industrial past while creating a functional space for the museum. The north and south facades are formed by a timber and metal frame and large windows framing the garden landscape. The sweet chestnut lattice facade, supplied by Siero Lam, acts as a sunshade — an obvious choice in a region where sweet chestnut supported families for generations.