Link Architectes

Description

Forming part of a dense, adjoining set of typical local buildings, the project lies at the heart of the village of Chernex in the upper part of the municipality of Montreux, above the shores of Lake Geneva. The goal was to transform the stable adjoining the old post house dating from the eighteenth century, which originally housed horses for the postal service. Set back from the main body of the building and the street, the ground floor of the stable was occupied solely by a professional kitchen serving the former inn. The rest of the space was bare and unused. The entire space was cleared to make way for an individual home. The size of the structure is determined and defined by the juxtaposition of neighbouring buildings. Only the south- and east-facing façades are accessible, and it was there that most external work was done. Facing the Dents du Midi and the mouth of the Rhône, the southern façade had undergone several alterations over the years. It consisted of a wide variety of materials and openings as required by the interior layout. This façade was demolished entirely and the stones used to build it were carefully preserved for subsequent re-use. The new wall combines stonework and concrete in a fresh interpretation of the existing structure. The windows have been arranged in a new layout that makes the most of the view whilst ensuring the inside of the property is not overlooked by neighbouring buildings.