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Extension, 5-storey interior design and furnishings for a luxury chalet in Méribel

The Harmony chalet in Méribel is, above all, the story of a particularly successful collaboration between the client, architect Michel Soubeyrand, and Agence Amevet.

« It was probably because he came from the construction world and understood its constraints that the owner and project client and we immediately saw eye to eye,” explains Pierre François Amevet, founder and managing director of Agence Amevet. “Transforming a 150 sqm chalet, built at the time of the 1992 Olympic Games, into a luxury chalet four times larger is a challenge that can only be met with a ‘dream team’ and excellent communication between all the players. An adventure bringing together the architect, interior architect, structural and finishing contractors…»

Local businesses and craftsmen

No “dream team” without companies!

“This is where our close relationship with the owner and project manager really came into its own. As a construction professional, his extensive experience enabled him to understand almost intuitively the demands of working in the mountains. He therefore asked us to seek out local craftsmen, in addition to his usual suppliers. In the end, on our advice and after consultation, he selected local companies, all of them well placed in terms of quality and financial criteria. As a result, we were able to work with professionals we already knew and appreciated: joiners, fitters, electricians, plumbers, tilers, painters, drywallers, locksmiths, etc.”

This perfect complicity came in handy at various stages of the project. “Of course, there were delays in the delivery of materials. But because we were surrounded by committed people, we were able to organize the work in the best possible way. Not to mention the finishing work, where we were able to spread the workload over two companies, who accepted the deal. It was unusual, but very reassuring for the client!

Technical challenges

This “dream team” was put together by Agence Amevet, in consultation with the client, right from the start of the project in 2020. Firstly, by bringing on board the architectural firm Michel Soubeyrand, already a partner of the agency on several occasions.

“Michel was the right person, for the right subject, at the right time… And the project was well managed,” continues Pierre François Amevet. “We made the most of the available surface area of the existing chalet. And we multiplied our technical prowess to build around it, notably by installing Berliner wall-type supports to build into the slope… The small feat that not everyone could have accomplished was to manage to keep a large part of the existing structure for the body builder, if I dare say it!

A project completed in three years

The project took three years to complete, from the meeting with the project owner and initial contacts with the design offices in late 2020/early 2021.

In 2021, Agence Amevet and MS Architecte produce studies, sketches and plans, and planning permission is obtained from the Town Hall.

Masonry work starts in spring 2022. The framework was 100% rebuilt, and six parking spaces were created beneath the building… The chalet was finally “enclosed and covered” in December of the same year. In 2023, Agence Amevet and the finishing companies moved into the space, which is now watertight, airtight and well insulated.

Between February and the end of 2023, all layout and furnishing work was completed.
At the same time, Agence Amevet handled the entire furnishing of the chalet, including curtains, drapes and decorative accessories. Everything was chosen, quoted, validated, ordered, stocked, delivered and installed.

Chalet Harmony is then ready to welcome guests, whether owners or tenants.

Contemporary alpine style

Originally located in the quiet Dou du Pont area, Chalet Harmony represents an exceptional opportunity for those seeking the marriage of luxury, privacy and proximity to the ski slopes and the heart of Méribel, without being drowned out by other buildings. The location is unrivalled, nestled in an area that is both exceptionally private and centrally located, yet within walking distance of the resort’s stores and restaurants.

Harmony offers seven beautifully furnished bedrooms, accommodating up to 17 guests, one of which is equipped with an extra bunk bed for children. The elegant master suite occupies an entire floor. The chalet’s contemporary, Alpine-style aesthetic skilfully blends warm, neutral tones with natural materials such as wood, stone and wool. Featuring clean lines and a plethora of subtle details, in addition to modern amenities such as televisions and Sonos audio systems, the chalet gives the impression that nothing has been left to chance to ensure the absolute comfort of its guests.

600 square metres of refinement

Harmony’s 600 m2 are spread over five levels, linked by an elevator and a monumental stairwell.

Level 0 is the parking lot, with six parking spaces beneath the chalet and a doorway and small staircase leading up to level 1.

Level 1, also accessible via the main entrance door, houses the first three bedrooms. There’s also a dressing room and a fully equipped ski room. It is from this level that the elevator and imposing staircase serve the entire building.

Starting with level 2, where three new bedrooms have been created. This floor is dedicated to relaxation and entertainment, with an impressive cinema equipped with tiered seating. It adjoins a superbly appointed wellness area, with whirlpool, sauna, steam room, swimming pool and fitness room. The fully glazed Jacuzzi overlooks the resort, with no overlooking. Designed for 6 to 8 people, it had to be brought in at the start of construction, as it was impossible to fit it in when the work was finished!

A unique living space on the same level

Level 3 features the living area, with kitchen, dining area and lounge, cleverly organized to create a unique, convivial space with a breathtaking view of the Méribel ski area. At the heart of the living room is a wood-burning fireplace. The sofa and numerous armchairs can be used to create a number of places for socializing around rectangular or round coffee tables.

Close to the living room, the billiard table and minibar are next to a door that gives access to an outdoor boules court.

Facing due south, the superbly equipped kitchen can be closed off by sliding doors, allowing a “chef” to work in peace and prepare his surprises.

The dining room is spectacular! Firstly, with its custom-made oak table. An invisible metal structure, clad in wood, supports this work of impressive proportions: 5.50m for 300kg.

Then there’s the glassed-in wine cellar, where several hundred bottles stimulate the curiosity of guests and lend an inimitable cachet to what we no longer dare call a “dining area”.

Level 3 is surrounded by balconies and panoramic terraces, one of which is south-facing and protected from the elements, and can accommodate all occupants for lunch, an aperitif, or even a small event.

Private space on the top floor

On level 4, the top floor, the owner wanted to create an independent space, accessible via a separate staircase. The huge master bedroom has its own balcony, dressing room and private bathroom.

In conclusion, Pierre-François Amevet recalls the guiding principle behind his agency’s work. “The basic idea, for a chalet that will be used a lot for rental purposes, was to create a rather sober, contemporary image, even if it’s mountain-style. It was up to the fabrics and furnishings to give the personal touch that makes this chalet unique in Méribel!”

Furniture focus

Contemporary in style, the furniture has been chosen in very sober color ranges: black / anthracite / grey / white and greige. These shades wisely enhance the strong presence of the wood and echo the black metal, Zimbabwe granite and electrical fittings.

Selected from suppliers renowned in the high-end market, the furniture in the Harmony chalet is, wherever possible, made in France. This is illustrated by the presence of the Basque brand Alki for the seats, and Arpin wool for the window hangings and curtains, decorative cushions and plaids.

Sobriety, functionality, comfort

As the Harmony chalet is largely intended for rental, we have avoided using materials that are too delicate or furniture that is too fragile.

Two pieces of furniture demanded particular attention. A bespoke two-metre-long desk in the master bedroom, but above all the masterly solid oak dining table (5.60m x 1.10m), which comfortably seats 16 guests. The tabletop alone weighs 350kg, and it took ten people to transport it to its destination!

These pieces were imagined and designed by Agence Amevet, then produced by the Hortail workshops.

Another feat was the creation of a six-metre-high light fixture running along the stairwell.

An eye for detail

Although the six rooms have identical furnishings, with one floor treated in light grays and the other in dark grays, they each have their own identity.

The second floor is dedicated to animals, with the “Bouquetin”, “Marmotte” and “Cerf” rooms. The second floor evokes the peaks that dominate Méribel, with the “Dents de Burgin”, “Montvallon” and “Saulire” rooms. In each case, a photo above the bed supports the chosen identity.

In addition to the furniture, the agency paid particular attention to the small-scale decoration, spending the time needed to choose each element for the headboards, the shelves in our bespoke bookcases and the furniture tops…

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