Dezeen Magazine

MA House by Timothee Mercier from Studio XM

"Perfect timing for your parents. Stay home!"

This week, some readers are envious of architect Timothee Mercier's parents after he converted an unused farm building in France into a new home for them.

French fancy: architect Timothee Mercier of Studio XM has converted a ruined farm building in France into an "intimate refuge" for his parents, sparking debate amongst commenters.

"It's not quite finished though is it?" joked JB. "Those stone walls need to be smooth rendered and painted white. The furniture and cabinetry also needs to be white. Everything needs to be white."

Arch was also aware of the amount of white used: "A very nicely done refurbishment. The window opening so very closely above that white seating cushion is not practical though."

"Very nice, I like this," praised Le Canal Hertzien. "And perfect timing for your parents. Stay home!"

Aigoual was also a fan: "There is everything one needs in this peaceful retreat whose minimalist and pure design reveals in its exquisite details the talent of the architect. Lucky parents!"

As was this reader:

Would you be happy to isolate in MA House? Join the discussion ›


95 Peckham Road housing by Peter Barber Architects

Community spirit: readers are divided over a tenement-style housing block at 95 Peckham Road in London, designed by Peter Barber Architects. It is formed of 33 homes across six storeys and arranged around a communal courtyard.

"It looks lovely to me," said Tony365. "I'm not big on shared courtyards, rooftops, or lobbies though. I do like the balconies, but I don't like forced community. I'll go to the pub if I want to chat."

"I like the idea of balconies," agreed Mr J. "But the place could otherwise be a prison and I dread to think what it looks like on a dank winter's day. Let's hope the tenants are allowed to soften the place with some creepers and vines, maybe adding some colour with flowering plants."

Babel was less keen on the balconies: "I do think this scheme has a lot going for it, particularly in terms of the maisonette typology and the dual aspect nature, however some of those elongated and rather narrow balconies look totally unusable and rather scary to walk out on."

"It looks rather fortress-like – is that intentional?" asked Alfred Hitchcock. "It certainly dominates the houses to the rear and appears defensive on the street. I can picture boiling oil being poured from those cantilevered balconies."

This reader was full of praise:

What do you think of the Peckham housing block? Join the discussion ›


Ex Machina

Film buffs: we wrote a story highlighting films with interesting architecture that you can stream during coronavirus self-isolation. Dezeen commenters added their own suggestions, which we also published, and now they have recommended even more.

"The Verdict (1982), " suggested Colonel Pancake. "It has some sublime interior architecture."

Vuillard went on: "The House on Haunted Hill, Frank Lloyd Wright, Ennis House, Vincent Price and B Movie."

"I loved the set design in The Reader," said Elpower Broker. "Particularly the main character's study, the law school classroom, and the stairwell of the courthouse."

"Indecent Proposal – Woody Harrelson was an architect and gave a stirring lecture about Louis Kahn," added Monte Jazz.

And here's another:

Which films do you think feature amazing architecture? Join the discussion ›


Project Merri by Bryanoji Design Studio

Money talks: readers agree that the budget was probably big for this house in Massachusetts, designed by architecture firm Bryanoji Design Studio, but aren't sure it was money well spent.

"I am moved by the unapologetic realness of this project," said Hana Fay. "This is an alternative definition of luxury – one I'm sure many cannot understand."

David Laker agreed the house was costly but was less complimentary: "Seems like a lot of money spent going backwards."

"Feels like space for space-sake," continued JZ. "Just slugging you over the head with an open-plan."

"Sorry, a brutal unfinished interior," added Jack Woodburn in disappointment. "Didn't even sand off the manufacturer name on the plywood. Really?"

This commenter also felt the walls look unfinished:

What do you think of Project Merri? Join the discussion ›