On the Sutton mountains, the 4000 sq ft chalet from the 70s Ash Tree House is undergoing a complete renovation that starts with enhancing the elements that characterize its identity, revitalizing the style, and increasing comfort
The Canadian studio La Nony FAMILI, in total agreement with the owning family, proposes for the renovation of the vacation home not to demolish the old structure but to innovate it in the principle of enhancing the existing heritage and eco-sustainability. The Ash Tree House now fulfills the clients' desire to have a modern chalet for winter skiing, comfortable and functional, where nature visually enters the house and the past is honored and integrated
The identifying features of the old structure, such as the ash wood staircase, the stone fireplace, the exposed ceiling beams, and the sloping roofs are the foundations on which the architects' creativity is unleashed. Paired with steel ornaments and color accents, they come back to life creating a contemporary and refined space. The atmosphere is softened by the warmth of the bleached ash wood and the lime wash painting of the walls
In the new layout of the spaces, the chalet features a bright access floor, semi-basement but open towards the garden, which houses the family's living room; on the ground floor, the living room expands to incorporate the old balcony which becomes a window to the forest. In this space, which thanks to the huge TV mounted on a track is also a home theater, two focal points capture attention: the large central fireplace and the nature outside
The restored staircase becomes the heart of the house illuminated by new openings; on the upper floor, the construction of a new walkway allows for the redistribution of the sleeping area, enhanced with a children's room. To ensure high standards of energy saving and environmental comfort, the entire building insulation has been renewed and the new windows are equipped with triple glazing. Externally, the Ash Tree House, named in honor of the expanses of ash trees that surround it, is characterized by the alternation of volumes emphasized by different claddings and black and white finishes that evoke winter
