The Parisian pair has revitalized the interior of this mountain retreat, infusing it with a subtle modern touch. Surrounded by the majestic mountains, the space seamlessly blends alpine warmth with contemporary design. In Megève, a residence harmonizing modernity and sociability.
Mountain chalets often exude a classic feel, filled with overwhelming woodwork. Visiting this renovated Megève farmhouse by Friedmann & Versace reveals the possibility of creating a dynamic, contemporary interior. Departing from local clichés, the Parisian duo crafted a welcoming space using carefully considered textures and colors. Like the surrounding mountains, the chalet highlights natural elements—stone, rivers, thorny trees—creating a familial, convivial atmosphere. Preserving heritage.
The Lyon couple, deeply connected to the Savoyard valley, desired a weekend retreat in Megève for skiing and outdoor activities. The second home caters to the needs of their family of four, embracing the festive spirit of the nearby Megève community. The architects emphasized preserving the building's heritage, retaining the original structure while infusing it with a new identity. An open space, balancing comfort and conviviality.
"They wanted a large, family-friendly living space for year-round enjoyment," note Virginie Friedmann and Delphine Versace. The spacious main area was cleverly divided, centered around a monumental green ceramic fireplace to add warmth to the expansive room. Two cozy lounges for reading and TV were created, while the reception area, offering a stunning mountain view, features a four-meter-long bar and sofas for celebration and conversation. Almost all furniture, designed by the studio, complements a few curated pieces and art objects from Galerie Armel Soyer. "Everything is open, interconnected," they say. The kitchen seamlessly extends from this hybrid living space, featuring an aesthetically pleasing design inspired by mountain herb-gathering apothecaries. A warm red wooden buffet, crafted by a local artisan, adds character to the kitchen, drawing inspiration from Florence's Santa Maria Novella apothecary. A tribute to the mountains in decor.
The interior reflects the surrounding environment with large windows offering breathtaking views. The house, oriented towards the mountains, includes significant outdoor spaces like a jacuzzi, terraces, sauna, and spacious summer lounges. Material and color choices are intentional, connecting onyx to river waters, red-browns to thorny berries, and fireplace ceramics to moss. Pillars adorned with hand-painted concrete depict mountain flowers like thistles and edelweiss. Thoughtful textiles, including braided wool, mohair, and velvet, bring warmth, inspired by the cozy mountain ambiance of Scandinavians and Americans. The interior designers had the opportunity to experience the house for a few nights, confirming its success. Above all, a contemporary and timeless space.
Friedmann & Versace discreetly designed a contemporary space using curved lines, bold colors, and coated walls. Maintaining the chalet's traditional coated walls, they preserved its historical charm while adding a contemporary touch. "The wooden structure naturally gives the house a rustic feel, but we aimed to create blends with modern lines." In the bedrooms, coated walls with subtle colors harmonize with sculpted, turned, or gouged wood, introducing contrasts. Playing with embroidered fabrics, varying light fixtures, and organic forms referencing the mountains, each room carries its own identity.
With a mountain view always present, an opening was crafted in the main bathroom to reveal a panoramic valley view. Beyond natural elements, the essence of this house is one of transmission. "It was essential for this place to remain timeless so that future generations could make it their own over time." The interior designers applaud the couple's choice of sustainable materials: beautiful stones, bronze, and high-quality textiles from Pierre Frey, Dedar, Schumacher. Here's to a long life for this ancient farmhouse, brilliantly renovated to meet contemporary demands.
