Location: Chamonix Mont-Blanc France

Architect: Renaud Chevallier

Design team: David Castagna, Thibault Forissier, Sophie Rubin

Project completion date: 2019

Photographer: Solène Renault

Press Distribution: v2com

About Chevallier Architectes

Chevallier Architectes‘ story begins more than 60 years ago when Henri Chevallier and his partner decide to put their skills and combined energies at the service of the economic and social development of the Chamonix Valley. Single and collective dwellings, public/industrial/commercial buildings… The curiosity and thirst to learn of the Knights, transmitted from generation to generation, are insatiable. So nothing is due to chance.

Living architecture as an art form, we are constantly looking for innovative ideas for the project be unique. Work on light, mixing wood/metal/glass materials, harmonious integration, and respectful of its environment for work without equivalent.

This is a look at the back of the house that has materials of wood, stone and steel along with large glass windows.

This side of the house showcases the wooden shiplap exterior walls that give a nice contrast with the glass walls of the second level.

This side of the house showcases the second level glass walls and the ground level stone walls that also has glass walls and doors.

This is a look at the living room from outside the glass wall. This also shows the large L-shaped sectional sofa.

This is a look at the interior of the living room with a large sectional gray sofa paired with a coffee table bathed in natural lighting.

This view of the living room showcases the fireplace on the other side of the large sectional sofa that stands out against the flanking glass walls.

This is a look at the modern and simple kitchen with a black kitchen peninsula that stands outa gainst the white walls and ceiling.

The black kitchen peninsula matches with the backsplash of the cabinetry and the modern appliances.

A few steps from the living room is the staircase that has wooden steps that stands out against the dark gray walls.

This is a look at the staircase with texture gray walls, a glass wall on the far side and wooden steps.

This is the second level landing fitted with a couple of comfortable woven wicker chairs with cushions and a mirror.

Upon entry of the house, you are welcomed by this foyer that has a large circular mirror above the cushioned bench.

This is a closer look at the couple of comfortable woven wicker cushioned chairs are adorned by the area rug on the gray floor.

This is the bedroom with a large bed across from the glass wall with a wall-mounted TV on the side.

The bathroom has a large freestanding bathtub across from the vanity contrasted by the dark flooring.

This other bathroom has a two-sink vanity attahced to the side of the bathtub that is placed under the window.

This other bathroom has dark marble tiles on its walls and floor making the toilet stand out placed by the glass-enclosed shower area.

The small vanity stands out in this bathroom against the surrounding consistent dark marble tiles.

This is a close look at the large freestanding bathtub that is topped with a wide window that showcases the mountain views.

This is an illustration of the property showcasing the two structures and their placement within the property.

This is an illustration of the ground level floor plan of the main structure.

This showcases the illustration of the ground level floor plan for the two structures of the property.

This showcases the illustration of the second level floor plan for the two structures of the property.

This showcases the illustration of the third level floor plan for the two structures of the property.

The project began with the discovery of this exceptional land by the architect who proposed it to the client. The latter, seduced, envisages the construction of three chalets, which will be reduced to two constructions to conform to the agreements made with the municipality.

The client, who has already carried out other projects with the agency, wanted a contemporary, unprecedented, and striking proposal. He asked for a strong and pure signature of the Agency’s architectural style. And thus, the kiosks on the roofs, these open volumes tore from the agreed space, are born and gives the master-bedroom a spectacular view on the chain of Mt Blanc, a luminous escape.

The whole was devised taking particular care in framing the view, to isolate themselves from the road while ensuring easy access and good relations with the neighborhood.

The property boundaries brought its share of technical challenges with the difficulties inherent to the holding of the land during the first phases of the work. In addition, the connections between the kiosks and the roof required expertise and ingenuity to guarantee water tightness and good insulation. “Belles Echappées” includes wellness areas, such as a sauna, a hammam, spas, all powered by geothermal energy to reduce energy consumption.

The chalets were built on the basis of a concrete frame, dressed in wood and metal, allowing to integrate the responses to seismic constraints. This blend of materials enhances the design of this project with its high-end finishes.

For the architect, “Belles Échappées” offers a singular project with a sharp personal style