Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The house at 5 rue Vasselot in Rennes is a remarkable example of medieval Breton civil architecture. Built in the 15th century, it has a wood-walled facade with torchi, partially covered with a coated. The ground floor, of carved granite, is pierced by two arcades and a side door leading to an inner courtyard. The building has two square storeys lit by windows, as well as two levels in a "rennais" height, characteristic of the region.

The structure is based on a slight corbellation supported by seven consoles at each level, while the side façades are deeply slated. The arrangement of the wood panel, made of fern leaf in the centre of the facade, illustrates the expertise of the carpenters of the period. Classified as a Historical Monument since 1963 for its facade and roof, this house bears witness to the medieval urbanism of Rennes, where the buildings projecting on the public road were common.

The joint use of granite for the ground floor and wood for floors reflects both durability (humidity protection) and material economy. The arcades on the ground floor suggest an original commercial vocation, typical of boutique houses of the time, where the urban space was optimized for artisanal and commercial activities.

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