This client wanted to convert an existing garage and carport into a luxurious, comfortable, and warm studio for yoga retreats. Working in an area of historic interest I liaised closely with the Architectes de Batiment de France (equivalent to working with a listed building in the UK) and I negotiated a balance between the client's desire for lots of large glass areas with the ABF reluctance to do that. My solution was traditional clavois (wood strips with open space behind) in front of the glass areas, and removable shutters. This worked well for the client because the building is not in use all the time. Also not permitted by the ABF were changes to the existing footprint so creative use of existing volume was required.