Perched Huts in Mercantour Massif
Architect: Cyril Chênebeau Architecte
Location: Saint-Martin-Vésubie, France
Type: Cabin
Year: 2023
Photographs: Aldo Amoretti
The following description is courtesy of the architects. Our reflection first focused on the need to design a form of hut capable of adapting to the multiplicity of topographical and landscape situations found on this heavily wooded site, a kind of “ideal” hut.
The result of this preliminary work and the in-depth analysis of the program and the specifications set by the contracting authority leads us to propose a project for a cabin with a slightly elongated unitary shape, a prism which is refined at both ends in order to slip between the trees.
The architecture of the huts plays on the duality between a traditional built form and a contemporary “alternative” habitat perched on its piles.
A simple and compact volumetry. A nine-sided prism, with a two-sided roof resting on a three-dimensional structure made up of self-braced V-shaped wooden posts.
This singular structure gives the image of leaning trunks (rough stripped larch poles) on which the living space would have come to rest, thus reinforcing the effects of “overhang” and the perception of the image of a “subtly” cabin. perched.
Work also focused on the ability to offer, through architecture, an immersion in an exceptional place on the edge of the Mercantour National Park.
Nature and the sun filtered by the larches generously penetrate the interior spaces. Every moment of the day offers a unique experience and light between shadow and light.
These contrast effects are reinforced here by the use for the outer envelope, of burnt wood cladding (dark tint) which vibrates with the tint of the bark of the larch trunks and a load-bearing structure (light tint), apparent and expressive.
The large bay windows placed on the bare exterior let you glimpse depths, transparencies and the warm aspect of a neat interior architecture.
From the inside, the view unfolds in six directions (prism effect), the hut thus benefits from multiple and varied orientations.
The layout has been thought out to be flexible in order to meet a diverse and demanding clientele. The hut can thus be used in configuration, type “loft” open spaces or in partitioned configuration by the use of simple sliding panels closing the night spaces.
The interior volume is generous with a ceiling under the sloping roof (set to the maximum of the possibilities offered by the PLU).
The common space is organized around a stove with a central hearth.
The spa area is visible and dialogues with the living room. It is connected and accessible in particular from the outside via the large south-facing pleasure terrace.
The materials are noble and durable, the assemblies and construction details are neat. The choice of coverings and furniture are carefully selected to underline the authentic and contemporary spirit of the place.
The project thus offers “exemplary and comfortable” housing units during the four seasons with a “top-of-the-range” level of service which makes it possible to offer future users a unique experience immersed in the heart of the Boréon forest massif.
Project Details
- Project Name: Perched Huts in Mercantour Massif
- Office Name: Cyril Chênebeau Architecte
- Lead Architects: Cyril Chênebeau + Fabrice Carbone
- Completion Year: 2022
- Gross Built Area: 45 m² + 25 m² terrace per hut
- Project Location: Saint-Martin-Vésubie
- Type: Tourism Habitat
- Photographer: Aldo Amoretti
