M37 House by BAST + littoral is a compact retreat that preserves the wild character of the Landes forest while offering a secluded, nature-focused living space.
Designed for a retired couple, the compact structure resists the conventional sprawl of private developments, instead preserving the natural landscape. A carefully arranged patio acts as a threshold between the main living quarters and a separate outbuilding for guests, fostering a sense of seclusion while remaining open to nature. The house’s wooden frame and polished concrete foundation anchor it in simplicity, while anodized aluminum windows, opening solely onto the courtyard, reinforce an inward-looking spatial logic.
A strikingly minimalist intervention, M37 House avoids dominance over its surroundings, instead embedding itself within them. The flat membrane roof, a response to zoning constraints, is softened by skylights that infuse the interiors with natural light and ventilation. This architectural strategy ensures a seamless dialogue between built form and environment, reconnecting the occupants with the rhythms of the forest. More than a dwelling, the house becomes an act of resistance—eschewing suburban uniformity in favor of an architecture that is both introspective and profoundly connected to its landscape.
