Lù Chatarme Transformation by Deschenaux Follonier

The Lù Chatarme Transformation by Deschenaux Follonier in Evolène, Switzerland, represents a delicate blend of preservation and modernization, deeply rooted in the vernacular traditions of its alpine region.

Set in the rugged, serene landscape of the Val d’Hérens, this project reimagines a traditional mountain chalet, respecting its history while enhancing its functionality. At its heart, this transformation is a dialogue between the built environment and the natural surroundings, a conversation that speaks of continuity, memory, and adaptation.

One of the project's most striking aspects is its treatment of the chalet's wooden elements. The architects made a conscious decision to retain the original timber room, a symbolic gesture that anchors the renovation in the past. This space, enhanced by a new stairway leading to an upper floor, can now accommodate six guests. The use of timber from a family-owned larch forest, planted during the chalet's original construction, imbues the project with a deep sense of lineage and ecological mindfulness. This wood, growing in tandem with the chalet itself, becomes a living testament to the interdependence between the structure and its environment—a dialogue spanning generations.

In contrast, the treatment of the chalet's mineral components reflects a more nuanced approach to integration. Rather than imposing upon the natural rock formations, the new construction delicately inserts itself between the existing stone and the built structure, allowing the contours of the landscape to inform its design. The result is a harmonious coexistence, where the new concrete elements, tinted with iron oxide to match the surrounding rock, pay homage to the site's geological roots. This respect for the natural order is further emphasized by the minimalist design, which allows the rugged beauty of the rock to remain prominent.

The interior transformation of the chalet is equally sensitive, preserving the austere, intimate atmosphere typical of mountain shelters. Timber walls remain uninsulated, and the spaces, low and dark, are warmed slowly by an original wood stove. Yet, in the newly added mineral section, the introduction of a concrete fireplace radically alters this ambiance. Here, fire, once contained and subtle, now burns openly, creating a focal point that invites communal gathering. This blending of old and new, cold and warm, hard and soft, defines the project's essence, making it a space where history and modernity coexist, enhancing each other in a delicate dance of contrasts.

Photography: Joël Tettamanti

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