Maison de village

MAISON DE VILLAGE

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE / INTERIOR DESIGN / FURNITURE

On the heights of an old mountain village, facing south and overlooking the ski resort of Serre Chevalier, with a panoramic view of almost the entire ski area, stands this old family chalet, which required a complete renovation.
PLACE: Serre Chevalier
YEAR: 2024
SURFACE: 240m²
INTERIOR ARCHITECT(S): Studio Monts et Merveilles
PROJECT MANAGER: Studio Monts et Merveilles
PHOTOGRAPHER(S): C. Magnier


Some family pieces of furniture have been reintegrated into key spaces, preserving a connection to the past.

The chalet’s original layout did not allow for the desired volumes to accommodate a large family of parents, children, and grandchildren.

Significant structural work was therefore necessary, including substantial underpinning.

The materials used for the renovation are simple and natural. For wall cladding and furniture, solid steamed larch was chosen—a process in which the wood is treated in steam ovens to bring out deeper tones. Solid oak was used for the flooring, while the walls were coated with natural lime plaster using a whitewash technique.

The interior doors are crafted from the same cladding boards used for the walls of the chalet, ensuring perfect harmony throughout.

They are fitted with concealed hinges, blending seamlessly into the decor.

Each door features an integrated acoustic seal within its frame for optimal sound insulation. Handles were carefully selected, with a finish matching the adjacent switches and outlets.

Each bedroom is designed as a master suite, complete with a walk-in closet, en-suite bathroom, and private WC.

Lighting is mostly indirect, recessed behind cabinets or built-in bookshelves, creating a soft, relaxing glow in the evenings.

The walk-in closet doors are covered with stretched natural fiber fabric, woven from water hyacinth.

The structures of some furniture pieces, including wardrobes and bookshelves, are built with plaster blocks, coated in whitewashed lime plaster.

Bedside tables are made from solid larch logs, simply surfaced, brushed, and protected with natural oil.

Some family pieces of furniture have been reintegrated into key spaces, preserving a connection to the past.

The bathrooms are minimalist and bright, featuring wooden vanity units, pure white quartz countertops, and vessel sinks.

The faucets are finished in “Gun Metal.”

Custom-made shower screens are crafted from tempered glass, with ultra-thin matte black profiles.

Steel-framed glass partitions replace certain walls and railings to allow natural light into as many rooms as possible. In some cases, these partitions are custom-designed to follow the shape of the staircases.

The kitchen cabinets, also made of solid larch, are designed with pronounced architectural lines that serve as integrated handles, adding a contemporary touch to the overall design.

All appliances are carefully built-in behind matching facades.

A natural matte varnish is spray-applied in a finishing booth, ensuring both protection and easy cleaning.

The countertops are made of quartz, with 45° mitered edges for seamless joints. The sink is undermounted for ease of use and cleaning.

Recessed lighting profiles, integrated into the walls and ceiling, subtly define the transition between the kitchen and dining area.

On the top floor, beneath the original exposed beams, a large open dormitory was created, complete with its own walk-in closet, separate WC, and dedicated en-suite bathroom.

This space is designed for children, featuring numerous beds and a spacious central play area.

The mattresses rest on raised platforms, each equipped with hidden storage drawers to maximize space efficiency.

The en-suite bathroom is highly functional, featuring both a bathtub and a shower, along with a large double vanity—perfect for busy mornings before heading out to the slopes!