Chalet Varosses, Chamonix
The Brief
This 1970s Alpine chalet, originally two separate apartments, had been poorly renovated, resulting in dark, cramped spaces and an awkward spiral staircase connecting the levels. The brief was to open up the interior, maximise natural light and views, and create a modern, open-plan home for a family of four, with clearly defined zones for living, relaxing and entertaining.
Design Response
A new staircase was introduced beneath the eaves, wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glazing to draw light deep into the home and create a striking architectural feature. All internal walls on the upper level were removed, allowing the space to breathe.
Clear zoning was achieved through a cohesive palette of colour, texture and pattern rather than physical divisions. At the heart of the space sits a central fireplace, designed to rotate so it can be enjoyed from different seating areas, anchoring the room while maintaining flexibility.