More Light and Better Views

A Mountain Chalet in the French Alps
by Chevallier Architectes, France

Chamonix-based practice Chevallier Architectes has completed the renovation and extension of a self-built mountain guide’s house in the French Alps.

After the residence was acquired by new owners, the dwelling was required to provide its occupants with more light and better views. Surrounded by natural rock faces, "Chalet Solelyâ" appears as a fortress, nestled into the rugged terrain.

The site’s new addition is an open-plan living room consistent with the scale of the entire building. The space, a volume made of glass and polished black aluminum, deliberately contrasts with the original timber construction. This visual juxtaposition is continued programmatically, with the existing structure housing private spaces and bedrooms, and the new wing containing communal areas designed for socializing.

From an environmental perspective, significant work went into optimizing the use of solar energy. South facing façades oriented towards the sun have been opened up, while the building has no north-facing openings. The existing structure was insulated and renovated with high-performance solutions. The project is is the first home in the region with a green roof deck.

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Arched Windows and Doors - Church-like Effect

A Delightful Family Abode
by Nauta Architecture & Research, Avetrana, Italy

Offering privacy towards the street and opening upon an interior garden, the house was lacking in light, so the architects installed a, sometimes unconventional, series of arches throughout the dwelling. The arches serve as external windows, letting in natural light, but also as internal windows that connect entire rooms. The effect is almost church-like: vaulted, open and restrained.

According to the architects, a local mix of hydraulic mortar and terracotta grit (‘coccio pesto’) was used for the floors, while the walls are covered in masonry and stucco, and travertine is used for the other surfaces.

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