Óros
Nestled on a sloping site between the commanding peaks above and the dense forest carpeting the valley below, this chalet reimagines traditional alpine living.
Inspired by the reconverted barns of the region, it is a haven for a family and their seasonal guests—a place where the rituals of ski culture and the rhythm of the seasons converge. It offers both sanctuary and celebration: a retreat to reconnect with nature and each other, and a vantage point to marvel at the fast-changing weather and timeless landscape.
Designed to resonate with the rituals of ski culture and mountain life, the house serves as a haven for a family—a place to reconnect, recover, and experience the seasons in all their intensity, with winter as its vibrant centerpiece.
The concept embraces the challenges of the steep topography and heavy winters, harmonizing with local vernacular while meeting modern needs. Working within the constraints of the area’s building regulations, the house minimizes its visual impact through a cascading composition, breaking into interlocking volumes that trickle down the terrain. This congregation of forms reflects the modest yet purposeful character of the local architecture.
Entering axially from the upper point of the plot, visitors pass through a modest patio that contrasts with the expansive grandeur of the main living areas. The primary volume enjoys sweeping views of the peaks and valley, while the annex, designed for extended family and seasonal guests, offers privacy and additional capacity. The upper floor houses a master apartment, while lower levels, seamlessly connecting to the outdoors, host leisure spaces and bedrooms—perfect for recovering after a day spent exploring the mountain.
The material palette is as elemental as the setting itself, celebrating the craftsmanship of stone and timber. A solid stone base anchors the structure to its mineral topography, while the timber grid above reveals the naked truth of construction, creating a dialogue of contrasts: light and heavy, raw and refined, intimate and open. The double-pitched slate roof rests gently on the grid, with overhanging eaves and deep facades extending protection while framing terraces and offering opportunities for connection and exploration.
The interiors are imbued with the serenity of the alpine environment. Fine joinery, boucle fabrics, and restrained detailing create a calm, intimate atmosphere, echoing the modesty and honesty of the architectural composition. Enclosures on the sides provide privacy from neighboring properties, while large openings frame the ever-changing vistas, connecting life inside to the drama of the landscape.
At its core, this chalet is a celebration of mountain culture and craftsmanship. It reconciles the rugged, savage beauty of alpine life with the comforts of a well-crafted home. Here, the seasons unfold vividly—snow blankets the terrain in winter, and the summer sun filters through dense forests. Outdoors, life becomes a choice, not an imposition, as the design embraces the challenges and pleasures of the mountain climate.
This is architecture as both response and provocation—an opportunity to challenge our ethos in a new setting. It is a place to recover, to reconnect, and to experience the full spectrum of life in the mountains, crafted with care and conviction.
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN K-STUDIO INTERIOR DESIGN K-STUDIO K-STUDIO DESIGN TEAM KONSTANTINOS KARAMPATAKIS | ALEXIS CHORTOGIANNIS | THIBAUD STELMASZYK | KATERINA PAITAZOGLOU | ANASTASIA CHATZAKOU | DIMITRA VASILEIADOU PLANNING CONSULTANT MICHEL DUPUIS STRUCTURAL CONSULTANT IVAN DE MARSANO MECHANICAL ENGINEER JÉRÔME BONVIN SOUND CONSULTANT IOANNIS KARAGIANNIS 3D VISUALISATION AESTHETICA
