The modern extension of the Grand Hôtel in Saint-Chaffrey, combining manufactured stone and wood

The extension of the Grand Hôtel in Saint-Chaffrey, five kilometres from Briançon and directly opposite the main departure point of the Serre Chevalier Vallée ski area, represents a contemporary architectural intervention seamlessly integrated into the Alpine landscape of the Guisane Valley in the French region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.

The project, developed by the French architectural firm Wilmotte & Associés, was conceived with the aim of combining functional expansion and aesthetic continuity, reinterpreting the codes of mountain architecture through natural materials and innovative construction solutions.

An extension integrated into the Alpine landscap

 

The extension of the Grand Hôtel in Saint-Chaffrey consists of four new chalets, arranged on a common base that creates a fluid connection with the existing building. This design choice ensures visual and functional continuity, reinforcing the unity of the entire hotel complex and enhancing its atmosphere of discreet and refined luxury.

The strategic orientation of the four chalets maximises their exposure and offers panoramic views of the Serre Chevalier mountains, optimising the relationship between interior and exterior spaces. Large windows, wooden balconies and terraces enhance the dialogue with the surrounding natural landscape.

The extension comprises 21 furnished apartments, 10 units dedicated to seasonal workers, and an underground car park. The residential offer includes apartments with mezzanine and studio flats, all featuring accessible balconies.

The modern extension of the Grand Hôtel in Saint-Chaffrey, combining manufactured stone and wood

The geopietra® manufactured stone cladding enhances the project's façades

A central element of the project is the combination of wood and geopietra® manufactured stone cladding, chosen in a squared model in the Grigio Terra shade. The model’s clean, squared lines lend the façades a contemporary and structured character: the regular geometries define solid, orderly volumes, emphasising the building’s stability and its harmony with the mountain setting.  The Grigio Terra shade recalls the mineral colours typical of the alpine environment, blending harmoniously with traditional stone elements.

The modern extension of the Grand Hôtel in Saint-Chaffrey, combining manufactured stone and wood

Beyond aesthetics with abitasistema®: a cutting-edge solution for outstanding living comfort

The project adopts an architectural approach that goes beyond mere appearance, integrating innovative solutions designed to ensure a high level of living comfort. The building envelope, conceived to respond effectively to the climatic conditions of the Alpine setting, combines aesthetics and functionality through the application of geopietra® manufactured stone cladding on EPS external thermal insulation system, installed using abitasistema®.

This tested and certified system is the only one in Europe to have obtained the Avis Technique issued by the CSTB (Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment), a recognition that guarantees quality and safety for designers.

The modern extension of the Grand Hôtel in Saint-Chaffrey, combining manufactured stone and wood

An example of contemporary mountain architecture

The extension of the Grand Hôtel in Saint-Chaffrey represents a fine example of integration between contemporary architecture and the Alpine landscape. This intervention does more than simply expand an accommodation facility; it redefines the architectural identity of the hotel through materiality, light and views.

The modern extension of the Grand Hôtel in Saint-Chaffrey, combining manufactured stone and wood

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