A family mountain haven for long-standing clients, this property was designed even before ground was broken.
The property is a two-storey chalet, a maisonette perched atop a multi-storey building. Despite it being built within a brand new development, it was essential for the clients and myself to ensure the property felt and looked vernacular yet contemporary and elegant. We revisited the developer’s space planning of the unit entirely and thoughtfully specified materials and details that inscribed it in the long alpine residence tradition, revisited.
The monumental fireplace was created by a local craftsman, with burnished hand-formed steel, Morzine stone boulders cut to size on site and slate from a neighbouring quarry. The same slate was used to create a contrast kitchen backsplash and another local stone, split-faced, clads the stairwell and Family Den main wall. The microcement used on the top floor was chosen for its smooth yet variable, urban and jointless aspect, and its environmentally-friendly composition. The sleek ceramic tiles specified presented a high content of recycled materials in theirs. And the “vieux bois” timber used throughout by the local artisan carpenter as wall cladding, ceiling beams and in the bespoke joinery, is reclaimed from other, now dismantled chalets.
This project is a finalist in the 2021 Surface Design Awards, for its focus on sustainability and vernacular materials and design.
Gallery
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We wanted to make sure that every room offered the best accommodation possible, flexible yet comfortable and suitable for an infinite combination of family members... The bunk beds were custom designed by Galuchat and expertly built by a local cabinet maker.
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The Master ensuite combines a large walk-in shower and a free-standing bath, flanking a custom designed vanity, in a calm palette of greys and mother-of-pearl accents.
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How can one not relax with the valley opening up at one's feet? A comfortable yet airy family room opens onto one of the terraces and can double up as a spare bedroom.
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The generous open plan reception floor includes a well-appointed kitchen, large refectory dining table overlooking the valley, living area by the monumental slate and steel open fireplace and a 120 year old concert grand piano - its delivery was one of the highlights of the installation!
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This monumental fireplace was custom designed and created by a local chimney artisan, Cedric Grobel of my cheminee, using local Morzine stone boulder, hand cut on site and slate from a neighboring quarry. A real focal point in the chalet.
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This staircase was custom designed and expertly poured and formed by the local mason, its smooth curves beautifully offset by the split-faced stone wall and the repurposed 'vieux bois' from demolished chalets from the valley...