This modern chalet situated in Valais, Switzerland, was completely redesigned in 2011 by Ralph Germann Architectes. Originally, the chalet was just a simple barn, located outside a village in the canton of Valais (Switzerland) on an exceptional site. The retreat of a glacier had left behind an amazing flora and fauna, where a rare species of red grasshopper found its home. As soon as one enters the chalet, one is immediately captured by the coherent, refined, almost monastic atmosphere. A white ceiling accentuates the lightness of the space. Using only one type of wood, namely larch, for the walls and custom made furniture visually enlarges the otherwise rather small space of 60m2.
For the furniture, a veneer version of larch wood was used giving them thus a more sophisticated look than the raw larch wood used for the walls and floors. The space in the chalet is efficiently used. Cupboards without handles are situated in the kitchen and bedroom areas. At the entrance, a suspended bench allows not only to comfortable sit down but also hides cleverly shoes. The minimalist look was continued when the owners and Ralph Germann choose together the remaining furnishings: Panton chairs, table Lim, sofa Togo and lamps Artemide. The chalet was designed for a couple without children and is separated into two distinct areas. living-room kitchen area and bedroom. The bedroom opens with a large sliding bay window directly to a small terrace. Kitchen and living room area are merged together. Special attention was given to the design of the windows allowing the owners to take in the spectacular surrounding nature.
