A Black House in the Forest in Normandy, France by Marchi Architectes.

We had to laugh when we first saw images of ‘The Black House’ by Marchi Architectes. Like a troll lurking under a bridge, this Nordic style black-clad cabin is embedded into the sloping terrain below eye and road level, forming somewhat of a sunken secret extension to a medieval style building in the forest in Normandy, France. An odd pairing that somehow works, thanks to the considered design details and stunning forest outlook once inside the cabin extension.

The client wanted to free up space in the old house, so they engaged Marchi Architectes to create a new living space that was more open and transparent. The resulting extension includes kitchen, living, dining areas, with multiple skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows to ensure as much light enters the space as possible. From inside, the densely green forest outlook is seriously beautiful and the sunken bunker-style design gives a cosy ‘tucked-away-from-the-world’ feeling. The exterior of the extension is entirely clad in textured layers of black timber, which gives a sleek appearance.

Marchi Architectes share a bit more about the inspiration behind their design: “The dark timber cladding plays with light and shadows so that the extension disappears in the shade of the forest around.” A beautiful design solution that creatively meets the brief – long live the little black cabin, a winning style no matter the context.

Related Post: Stories On Design // Sheds, Cabins & Retreats.

[Images courtesy of Marchi Architectes. Photography by FG + SG.]