Modern Swiss chalet seamlessly blends past and present, while showcasing a stunning panoramic vista
Modern Swiss Chalet Reimagined: Montalba Architects' Stunning Alpine Retreat
Nestled on a sloping site with breathtaking views of the Grand Muveran massif, the Vaud Alps' highest peaks, lies a contemporary take on the traditional Swiss chalet. This architectural marvel, designed by Montalba Architects, is a testament to the harmonious blend of old-world charm and modern aesthetics.
The chalet, a new design by the Swiss-American firm, is arranged across three floors, with the ground floor notched into the hillside. The sitting and dining areas boast an east-facing terrace, with the kitchen anchoring the living space. The interior is richly crafted, with a mix of classic furniture, bespoke joinery, and impressive views.
The chalet's design is described as a 'traditional Swiss chalet ... reinterpreted with a modern, abstract approach through movement and flow.' Matte varnished oak floors are used throughout, paired with dark-stained oak panels and oak veneer millwork. Local cabinet makers and carpenters built the joinery, including the kitchen and staircase structure.
The south-facing elevation features huge floor-to-ceiling windows that open up to the wooded foothills and snowy peaks beyond. Spanish Nero Marquina marble is used in the top-lit primary bathroom and the fireplace in the living room. The roof is a steep pitched seamed metal roof that oversails the house, providing shading and snow-proofing.
The exterior remains made from black-stained larch slats, with a facade frame of spruce and wood fibre board on the exterior and OSB panels inside. A separate pitched roof carport is set slightly higher up the hill. The lowest floor contains a studio space that can serve as a separate dwelling, along with storage and a small sauna.
Despite Montalba Architects' Swiss-American ties, there is no specific information indicating they have offices in Switzerland or that they employ a contemporary Swiss chalet design approach. However, their work continues to be celebrated in the architectural world.
For more information on Swiss chalet design or other architects known for this style, please specify. Montalba Architects' work elsewhere showcases their commitment to creating innovative, sustainable, and functional spaces that seamlessly integrate with their surroundings.
On the interior, Montalba Architects cleverly blends classic furniture with bespoke joinery, creating a harmonious space that resonates with a contemporary home-and-garden lifestyle. The chalet's design, a reinterpretation of the traditional Swiss chalet, breathes fresh air into the realm of interior-design, offering a modern, abstract approach.
