A Work of Substance | 135 floor chalet holiday villa in the French Alps

Multidisciplinary design studio A Work of Substance was commissioned to design a holiday chalet villa for a four-door house in the Alps region of Haute-Savoie, France, drawing inspiration from the rural architecture of the Alps and the Buddhist culture inherent in the Himalayas, with its western and eastern roots in the self-employed. Although the exterior of the three-story building is reminiscent of a traditional alpine hut, the base is built of stone, the upper floor is pine boards, and the sloping roof is made of deciduous pine tiles, but its deep interior embodies the artistry and spirituality of Buddhist teachings. With a wealth of recycled materials, handmade details and antiques. Chalet Nê's name comes from the word “snow” in the local Savva dialect, a place of refuge and solace that embodies the Alpine community spirit of sharing and gathering, especially in snowy winters.

THE COMMUNAL SPACE OF THE CHALET IS CENTERED ON A TWO-STOREY LIVING ROOM WITH LIVING ROOMS LEADING TO AN OPEN DINING AND KITCHEN AREA, WELL-LIT AND WELL-VENTILATED, WITH VIEWS OF THE ALPS ON THREE SIDES. The view of the private residential area is also impressive, the skylights add diffused light, and the indoor pool located on the lower level is also considered a space for relaxation and reflection similar to a spa.

Recycled wood and limestone dominate the minimalist interior space, adding warmth and richness to the space. From structural elements to hardwood floors and wall coverings to built-in furniture, the project's fine woodwork and the textured finish of the lime-painted walls are a showcase of local craftsmanship. Paired with marble and stone elements, the tones of the original, natural materials correspond to the natural nature of the mountain environment and evoke the bitter atmosphere of Tibetan temples. The lattice balustrade, which pays homage to the Drukgyel Dzong Monastery in Bhutan, and the lantern-shaped wall lights that the studio custom-designed for the project make the latter even more apparent. Called Moonlight Solid Brass Lamps are used throughout the premises and feature paper-coated lampshades and metal covers that emit warm, soft light.

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The cottage is decorated with a variety of Japanese art and Chinese antiques, further deepening the connection with East Asia. Contemporary works include a large print depicting misty landscapes above the living room fireplace by Japanese photographer Shouya Grigg, and abstract paintings by Japanese artist Kiyo Hasekawa in the bedroom. Also in the bedroom, the Japanese antique screen above the bed adds a splash of light by incorporating the natural scene of gold leaf leaves, while the wide 17th-century Japanese-style two-panel screen in the entrance hall sets the tone for the view of the cherry garden. Sparsely decorated with Chinese antiques from the family's collection, from a low table and a Tibetan suitcase to patent leather pillows and bamboo baskets, this chalet seems conceptually and spiritually to hover between the Alps and the Himalayas.

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