Agde, Hérault, Occitanie, France
Located in Agde, at the foot of Mont Saint-Loup, the Ostal L villa (200 m²), designed by the VGA agency, redefines contemporary living. Combining technology, clean design, and landscape integration, this project challenges the traditional codes of single-family homes.
Villa contemporaine by Vivien Gimenez Architecture won a Future House Award 2025 from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and Global Design News.
Built on a sloping site, Ostal L takes advantage of the incline to open itself to the landscape. Rather than restricting it, the architecture follows the topography, creating stepped terraces that encourage a seamless flow between interior and exterior. Natural stone facades and slender window frames enhance elegance while blending into the surrounding environment. Carefully oriented openings allow natural light to enter and extend the dialogue with nature.
The project relies on a collaborative method using immersive digital tools. Every detail was modeled in real-time, enabling efficient interaction between the architect, client, and craftsmen. This synergy made ambitious technical solutions possible, such as the double-skin facade, which improves both aesthetics and thermal performance.
The interior, with its clean lines and functional volumes, reflects a desire for continuity with the natural environment. Outside, the pool and landscaped areas follow the same logic. The project respects the topography without altering it, integrating stormwater management and landscaping consistent with the site. Inspired by stereotomy, the house combines simple volumes with refined joinery. Technical elements are discreetly integrated to preserve the purity of the lines.
Ostal L goes beyond residential function: it embodies architecture based on innovation, adaptability, and sustainability. Every constraint becomes a driver of creativity. Here, VGA delivers a contemporary work both rooted in its territory and forward-looking, where design enhances the living experience.
Architects: Vivien Gimenez Architecture
Lead Architect: Vivien Gimenez
General Contractor: Vivien Gimenez Architecture
Client: Private
Photographers: Vincent Boutin
