"La Petite Maison" (meaning "The Little House") is a 35-square-meter wooden holiday home in the French countryside town of Guitinières, completed in 2020 by the Kyoto-based architecture and maker studio 2m26. Designed and built by the studio's founders, Mélanie Heresbach and Sébastien Renauld, the guesthouse accommodates up to two people and is situated on a sprawling property away from the main residence, surrounded by fields, woods, and an orchard. The project prioritizes a connection to the outdoors, with large windows, glass walls, and an open-air courtyard that blurs the line between the interior and the surrounding landscape. To minimize environmental impact, the minimalist house was constructed using locally sourced Douglas fir boards, a material that can be easily disassembled and recycled. It was assembled on-site with the help of the owners and sits on concrete pillars, which raises it slightly off the ground. The compact structure was designed to provide flexibility, with sliding glass doors and large shutters offering customizable protection from the wind or sun while allowing various views and natural light. The interior features a simple, open layout with four rooms partitioned by an additional set of movable doors and screens. The minimalist design is emphasized by furniture and countertops made from the same Douglas fir, which draws attention to the serene countryside views. Credits Architects: Mélanie Heresbach and Sébastien Renauld of Studio 2m26 Photographer: Studio 2m26