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OM house explores the oportunities offered by living on land, within the limits of an "apartment budget". The solution was generated using a simple set of simple principles, bearing in mind: land use, the simple house-shape, connection to the land and surroundings, low-tech energy efficiency. Placed in a traditional village (XIIIth century) where every aspect of a traditional building has meaning – the architecture is directly linked to utility and smart use of materials, in a contemporary shape. A series of iconic images that we automaticaly associate with dweling are incorporated, the house shape, the chimney, the entrance light. Given the small footage, the exterior esthetic is related to that of an object: simple,readable  shape; unified exterior surfaces by use of the same material  on adjoining planes; the use of texture rather than color. From start to finish all options were constantly reconsidered in the effort to maintain a balance between form, function, budget, comfort, sustainablilty.