Nestled near Mont Blanc in the French Alps, the village resort of Mégève was conceived by the Rothschilds in the 1920s as a French alternative to St. Moritz. It’s here in this picturesque landscape where Studio Liaigre embarked on a residential project where authenticity would serve as a guiding principle and where the creative team would cultivate the spirit of a warm family refuge with the highest level of comfort.
aspire’s Deputy Editor, Jennifer Quail, discussed the redesign with the project’s supervisor, Philippe Minvielle, Head of Europe for Liaigre.
Jennifer Quail: This home reads as a modern take on a luxury retreat. Tell us about the location and how it influences the interiors.
Philippe Minvielle: Indeed, the project is located in a special area, at the heart of the city center of Mégève and close to the iconic luxury hotel, Le Fer à Cheval. For over a century, Mégève has been a sophisticated resort, but has also maintained its authenticity thanks to its natural Alpine environment and preserved landscape. The homeowners chose this location in the city center because they wanted to be close to the everyday life of the village, the restaurants, and the shops.
JQ: Tell us about who will live here and how they live. How was the home designed to feel and function?
PM: For the clients, long-time, loyal patrons of the House, it was essential to design the entire 757 square meters [nearly 2,500 square feet] of this luxurious chalet, to conceive a signature staircase that defines the project’s identity, and to fully furnish all four levels.
This is a family house for a successful French couple with a large family — lots of young adults with lots of friends. The house is very lively, it is a real meeting point for this family where they celebrate Christmas. The dining room is huge and can seat many guests, there are different living rooms, a home cinema, a spa, and a swimming pool — everything indoors, to make the owners and their friends comfortable.
JQ: The wood-paneled walls are striking. They lend a sophisticated, cabin-like feel, adding to the retreat sensation. Tell us about this design decision.
PM: Dark and light wood covers almost all the walls. The atmosphere and the tones chosen for the furniture and upholstery reflect a resolutely natural palette, ranging from whites and light beiges to warm hues of wood with some dark or black touches. This palette is strongly influenced by the site — for the wood paneling, and for the interior design as well with camouflage-inspired khaki green notably for the leathers. The decisions are a response to the context, always considered in the reflections of the teams.
JQ: The staircase is a true focal point. Tell us about the design and the technical nature of creating something with such precision and artistry.
PM: The pre-existing staircase was narrow and quite dark. Studio Liaigre had to instill a whole new idea and make this space the backbone of the house. As with many Liaigre interiors, this spiral staircase and its sculptural lines set the tone. The staircase shaft is made of blackened cedar, its steps are made of lava stone, and the walls feature porthole openings with graphic contours playing with light and viewpoints. This staircase has such a strong identity that it was the starting point from a creative point of view for other architectural gestures and choices in the house.
JQ: Is there a favorite space in the completed home? Tell us what makes that particular space stand out.
PM: The owner’s favorite space in the house is the library lounge, a large room enjoying bright daylight and a beautiful view of the valley. It’s a space where she likes to meet for tea, play cards, have intimate conversations… comfortably installed.
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