From an existing house (late 16th, early 17th century), my grandparents raised the roof and enlarged the doors and windows before moving in in 1929.

Having become a holiday home, my parents had new openings made to increase the amount of light. A concrete slab is poured over the entire ground floor to conceal the electricity, water supply and drainage.

First seasonal rental as a gîte. Over time, the facilities are improved.

Questions about the insulation, traces of damp and the desire to settle in the house lead me to pick up a measuring tape, a pencil, an eraser and graph paper to create. Sketches start to appear, a room on the ground floor will have to be adapted for people with reduced mobility.

My husband, JP, moves us to Brittany for a professional transfer. I refine the plans and look for ways to save water. I think of installing a permanent hot water circuit so as not to lose a drop from the mixer tap. I give priority to thermal and acoustic comfort.

I submit my plans to the architect for the building permit. Wishing to retain control of the project, I went in search of companies to draw up estimates. At the same time, I enter the CFPPA of Pontivy to follow a training course and obtain a certificate of specialisation in green tourism delivered by the Ministry of Agriculture.

After 7 months of training, I obtained my certificate. At the same time I examined the quotes and realised that the prices for traditional masonry were similar to those for eco-construction. The choice is quickly made and the work begins.


June
Installation of the compact wastewater treatment system.
Earthworks: we break the whole concrete slab with what was on top (tiles and plaster bricks for the partitions and the straightening of the shale walls).


July
Drilling of the interior walls with reworking of the jamb feet.
Passage of water supplies and drains as well as various geothermal and electrical cables. Spreading of the hemp slab on the ground floor.


August
Drying and holiday period for the companies.


September
Continuation and completion of the door jambs, cutting of the staircase cavity and installation of the various cables on the first floor.



October
Installation of the hemp slab on the first floor and drying for 3 weeks.
Sanding of the walls and ceilings. Installation of the roof windows.
Beginning of the installation of the douglas framing and the counter-joist.


November
Completion of the installation of the lathing and the counter-joist.
Complete insulation from underneath the roof with hemp and Douglas fir cladding.
Dec. Erection of the wooden structures for the partitions and application of the various plasters on the stone walls.