Alpine Chalet Lookbook
"Chalet", a word that only appeared at the end of the 17th century
A typical habitat of the alpine universe, almost folkloric!
The history of the mountain chalet is intimately linked to the alpine pastures and the life of the shepherds of past centuries. Serving as a basic shelter for them, the chalet was primarily a workplace that housed animals and allowed for the production of high-altitude cheeses. The shepherd was allocated a very small part of the space for his dwelling.
Built of solid wood to withstand the unpredictable storms of the alpine pastures, the openings were tiny, and the roofs were made of "tavaillons", "ancelles" or "éfenles" depending on the regions. Lighting was provided by candles, water flowed from springs, and comfort was rudimentary.
The contemporary chalet, a reflection on traditional housing
It was only between the two World Wars that the first contemporary habitats appeared.
The birth of the first ski resorts, in Switzerland and Austria first, then in France, heralded the emergence of the first buildings. The first "Plan Neige" (Snow Plan) of 1964 intensified their development and initiated a deeper reflection on this local architecture.
Courchevel 1850 emerged in 1946. It was during this period that the concept of "grenouillère" was invented, an architectural concept that organized habitats around the arrivals of ski slopes. A few years later, architect Eric Boissonnas was tasked with designing the Avoriaz resort. The buildings were modern, innovative, committed, and seemed anchored in the surrounding nature. La Plagne was designed by Michel Bezançon in 1962, Les Ménuires in 1964, and Les Arcs in 1968. This development plan was primarily an economic development plan for these initially very poor and isolated regions. The architecture then aimed to maximize space for the ski area, resulting in tall and long buildings.
After these years of frenzied construction, a return to the village spirit served the heritage. Today, there is a tendency towards resorts with a "village" soul more in line with the local heritage. The golden age for the construction of contemporary chalets has begun.
The great architects of the modern chalet
First, we must mention Henry-Jacques Le Même, a student of Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, who designed and conceived over 250 alpine chalets. With his recognizable touch, he signed and created the most beautiful chalets in Megève.
This visionary architect, commissioned by the Rothschild family, designed this habitat in every detail: carved woodwork, mosaic floors with elegant skier designs, wrought iron objects are just a few examples. "He entered the legend alive. Respected, loved, like a mage, a magician, by all those who followed the exceptional flourishing of the two Savoies, Henry-Jacques Le Même is a crusader of meticulous talent. Inspired, to his core, by everything the French Provinces can draw from the past to enrich the modern present, he has given birth to a very large Region and a perfect style." - Jean-Jacques Servan-Schreiber
Another era, another signature, Jean-Michel Wilmotte, took on this difficult exercise with the Cry chalet in Megève. A contemporary and futuristic chalet, this sumptuous private chalet integrates perfectly with its environment while respecting the local architecture. Like a flagship, it overlooks the village, perfectly embracing the curves of the terrain on which it is built.
When discussing alpine architecture, how can we not mention the Grande Dame Charlotte Perriand and Les Arcs, the Adventure of her life. A winter sports enthusiast and avid skier, Charlotte Perriand the visionary, created iconic work that will forever be engraved in the imagination of mountain housing and the accompanying furniture.
The contemporary chalet
Natural materials remain the preferred choice for these constructions, which must be robust, welcoming, and practical to use. Wood, stone, and concrete for the most modern constructions constitute the exteriors of the chalets, while ceramics, terrazzo, wood again, stone always, and metal adorn the interiors. Windows and bay windows have been widened so that the exterior blends with the interior. Fireplaces are made comfortable for the most beautiful living rooms, and geothermal energy is often used to heat these large spaces exposed to winds and snowstorms.
Furnishing a chalet involves some fundamental principles that are not necessarily found in other types of housing:
- A comfortable entrance to welcome passing guests
- A living room equipped with a multitude of seats, cushions, and soft throws
- A well-equipped kitchen to prepare comforting hot dishes in winter
- A convivial dining room to accommodate large families
- A dormitory to host groups of children
- A ski room to store and maintain necessary equipment
- A spa to relax after long days of skiing
- A home cinema to occupy stormy afternoons
Decorate your chalet with Norki
Our Maison, through the materials we work with, specializes in decorating Alpine chalets.
Hides and furs become contemporary and bold under the precise fingers of our artisans who create custom rugs, throws, cushions, and furniture.
Everyday objects become unique and adapt to this particular lifestyle.
Our design and interior architecture office conceives and imagines your projects and desires.
We design your custom headboards, the benches for your ski room, the wall coverings for your entrance, the comfortable chairs surrounding your dining table, the carpet in your living room, or the layout of your home cinema.
We also share our curated selection of iconic mid-20th-century Scandinavian design pieces, unique items to collect.
Share our French Art of Living and our vision of mountain architecture.
Norki, the spirit of your Chalet !
