ARCHITECTURE

​

The mountains offer one of the most powerful representations of the force of nature. We admire them, we fear them, and above all respect them, often trying to get closer to them.

​

Our main goal when designing Chalet on the Rocks was to create a home that combines tradition and modernism, respecting the magical location of Chamonix and combining as many features as possible into the beauty of the place. Radical geometries and minimalism represent our architectural direction, aiming to transform historical influences into a timeless appearance.

The general image of chalets established over the decades is well-known. Here, we wanted to transform this image into a more refined version, integrating the building into the raw mountain environment. It was also very important to preserve the history of this place and respect aspects of vernacular architecture. We purified the shapes and materials to achieve this essence, based on Mies Van der Rohe’s principle that "less is more".

The general architectural design of mountain chalets is often distinguished by the typical form of their roofs. With the weight of snow being an important aspect to consider in the Alps, we had to adhere to the regulatory 35 degree roof. We also respected the sensuality of the traditional facade. To give a sense of comfort and protect the soil from harsh weather conditions, we opted for a stone construction. On the first floor we used old grey wood panels, themselves coming from old farms and cottages, sometimes centuries old. The roof and facade are the two most important stylistic dimensions that have helped us create the distinctive and warm character of Chalet on the Rocks.

The interior space has been created giving critical importance to light and mountain views. It was very difficult to find a suitable solution to keep the space free from any structure supporting the roof, especially when the span of fourteen meters is subject to heavy winds and snow. We have solved this challenge, respecting Chamonix's new construction standards, by moving away from traditional constructions and thinking creatively, using three fixed clamped steel frames to eliminate the need for interior walls. Thanks to this construction we have gained in width, and allowed the possibility of using large windows to offer breath-taking views of Mont Blanc and the Glacier des Boissons, allowing the beauty of the outdoor landscape to be incorporated into the interior atmosphere of the chalet. The choice of a facade of old grey wood, combined with anthracite and brown reflections blending into stone and lime, add to the desired sculptural character, integrating perfectly the construction with the natural tones of the mountain. At the end of the afternoon the sun's rays come to caress the solid cedar table, and the long boards of a bespoke parquet floor.

The master bedroom also benefits from floor-to-ceiling windows, with an intelligent curtain system offering spectacular day and night views. Four additional bedrooms are located on the ground floor with a sauna and a living room.

The garden integrates perfectly with the mountain thanks to a complex and balanced interaction between terraces, earthworks of rocks and plants embellishing the whole area.

​

ARCHITECT

​

www.Ravazadeh-Architecture.com