The aim was to create a coherent, durable, and timeless whole,
The project was not just about renovation, but a measured transformation, carefully considering materials, volumes, and the history of the place. The aim was to create a coherent, durable, and timeless whole, favoring a sober and controlled aesthetic.
The house is made up of two buildings: the main structure and an annex dedicated to guest
accommodation. The owners wanted a family home that was both simple and elegant, where every material finds its place: wood, stone, patinated brass, and carefully selected textiles.
The configuration of the old hotel did not allow for the expected volumes of a family home. A complete structural overhaul was necessary to reinforce, redistribute, and open up the spaces, all while preserving the characteristic elements of the existing building. Preserving the history of the site guided all architectural choices.
The façade was restored to its original form to preserve the harmony of the neighborhood. On the right side, an exterior paneling in molded local larch wood, traditionally assembled, evokes the old Alpine storefronts and provides a discreet presence, faithful to the architecture of certain façades.
Larch, a local wood with exceptional resistance properties, weathers over time and takes on marked hues, adding a lot of character.
Upon entering, the original materials are highlighted: flamed lauze stone floors, exposed old beams, lime plaster and wash finishes, and doors made of reclaimed wood…
A closed office, overlooking the entryway cloakroom, allows for privacy and focus. It is furnished with a beautiful storage unit with doors clad in woven rattan veneer. A small custom-made oak desk occupies the center of the room. The floor is made of rustic solid oak parquet, engineered to be compatible with underfloor heating.
On the same floor, a lounge area has been designed as a pleasant, intimate gathering space for hosting guests. Structured around a fireplace with an impressive hood, covered with terracotta tiles featuring geometric patterns, a custom-made patinated brass bar fits naturally into the room. Its curved shapes and artisanal patina give it a presence that is both elegant and subtle. The light fixtures were custom-designed for the project by a sculptor artist.
A first guest bedroom is also located on this floor, with an en-suite bathroom.
The main staircase, positioned in the center of the building, serves all five levels of the house. It is entirely made of solid oak with a brushed natural matte finish. The curved railing, handcrafted in the workshop, is composed of forged iron bars, hammered by hand, fixed “English-style” on the side of the central stringer, and a handrail in bent oak, traditionally made and very technical to achieve.
This ensemble serves as a strong architectural element, structuring vertical circulation like a backbone around which all the rooms are arranged. The original staircase finial (the decorative ball) has been restored to its place at the starting post.
On the first floor are the living areas, including the living room, dining room, and kitchen. An immense table stands at the center of the large reception room, facing an impressive fireplace topped with a sculpted hood, custom-designed by the artist Laurent Dufour. The table is made from a single 5-meter-long slab of sequoia wood. Iconic Uchiwa pendants by Ingo Maurer extend the poetic, organic dimension of the space. The custom-made peripheral furniture is crafted from reclaimed wood, natural fiber veneers, and patinated brass inlays, which are the unifying materials throughout the house.
The kitchen was designed as a very functional and central space, with entrances at both ends for smooth circulation, even with heavy traffic. It features multiple work zones: washing, cooking, and preparation areas, a rear pantry with open wooden crates for fruits and vegetables, and a second preparation area with full-height cabinets and a worktop. The custom-designed and fabricated cabinetry combines Green Smoke lacquered fronts from Farrow & Ball, natural oak interiors, black granite Z worktops, and white zellige wall tiles. A country-style wooden dining table, placed in the center of the room, serves as both an island and a dining area. Against the main wall, the La Cornue range stands out as a true centerpiece, combining elegance and functionality.
Each bedroom is designed as an independent suite, including a large dressing room, a desk, and private WC and bathroom. The headboards are made from reclaimed wood with upholstered sections in fabric chosen to harmonize with the room’s curtains. Everything is custom-made by a tailor, providing a refined and meticulous finish. The bathrooms blend traditional materials with contemporary fixtures: colored zellige tiles as wainscoting, reclaimed wood paneling, matching vanity units, vintage bronze Gessi faucets, and white porcelain outlets and switches, echoing the color of the sinks. The custom-made shower screens, crafted in brass, feature a patinated bronze finish, perfectly complementing the faucets.
The top floor of this large family home is entirely dedicated to the parental suite. The suite, designed as a cohesive whole, is split into three distinct volumes: a bedroom, a bathroom, and a walk-in closet.
A private office has also been integrated, providing a functional and secluded space for remote work, designed to ensure comfort, concentration, and efficiency.
The adjacent house, spread over three levels, is entirely dedicated to guests. It offers a spacious living area on a full floor, including a kitchen, dining room, and a large, bright living room. On the ground floor, a dormitory and a parent bedroom provide optimal comfort, while on the first floor, a spacious suite with twin beds completes the sleeping arrangements. Each room has its own bathroom, guaranteeing an experience of absolute comfort.
The basement is entirely dedicated to well-being. A large gym opens into the spa area, which is more intimate, featuring a jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, and massage room, offering a complete relaxation experience. The vaulted ceilings, coated in lime wash, and the lauze stone floors create a soothing, mineral ambiance. The jacuzzi, clad in custom-carved solid stone, envelops the stainless steel tub and evokes the form of a natural pool. The lights, always indirect and embedded in the furniture, provide a soft, even glow throughout the space.
