A homely atmosphere at an altitude of 2,000 metres

The town of Bourg-Saint-Maurice in the French Alps is home to four chalets at different altitudes, each with its own unique atmosphere. The highest, immersed in the snow close to the slopes of the Arc 2000 ski resort, is perhaps the most distinctive of the four. Located at an altitude of 2,140 metres, La Halle des Cascades (literally the «Hall of the Waterfalls») stands on the site of an old sheepfold next to a waterfall and is the result of a conversion project designed to surprise and enchant the visitor while creating a warm, homely atmosphere.
Opened in 2017, La Halle des Cascades has a floor space of around 400 square metres and is designed to accommodate 15 guests in 7 bedrooms, including 2 luxury suites. The entrance hall has a sports equipment storage area and opens into the main communal area of the house, nicknamed the «cathedral» due to its full-height space and the exposed wooden structures culminating in the double-pitched roof that maintains the shape of the original building.
Dedicated to dining and socialisation, this communal area is enclosed by large windows and features four reassuring elements: the kitchen, a bar counter, a long dining table and a cosy sitting area next to the fireplace where guests can get warm and relax in good company. Also on the ground floor, guests can use the small but delightful spa complete with sauna and swimming pool with views out onto the snow, while on the upper floor they can read or fall asleep while watching a film. The communal spaces are designed to meet all guests’ needs, including the chance to relax in the more secluded areas of the mezzanine, which are reached via a staircase and a glass and metal walkway overlooking the main room.
The chalet’s design was inspired by the shape and materials of the old sheepfold, including wood and stone for both the interior and exterior of the new building. In the «cathedral» room, the sheepfold’s original stone structure can still be seen in the base of the fireplace and in the central totem-like column, and was also taken as reference for the choice of furnishings and materials. As designer Laetitia Cretier explained, the rough and multicoloured surface of stone became the leitmotif of the entire interior design project. The various shades of stone are reflected in the colours chosen for the main materials used in the interior, namely metal, textiles and ceramic. While the fabrics of the cushions, chairs and sofas were chosen in bright shades of green and blue, the brooding black of the metallic structures, windows and fireplace were inspired by the darker veins of stone. The iridescent grey of the porcelain floor tiles helped to create a space with a warm but contemporary look and a high level of performance, achieving an overall effect that goes well beyond the floor surface itself. The Aria slabs were also selected for their delicate Antracite colour tones on a grey background and their almost textile consistency, creating a chromatic and material unity that resonates with the other materials.