1.9.2016
Mont-Blanc Base Camp
Les Houches is a small village situated in the French Alps, close to one of its most important peaks, the Mont-Blanc. The aim was to integrate as naturally as possible the project into the mountainous landscape.
The project hosts Blue Ice, a company which designs and manufactures products for climbing and mountaineering as well as a business incubator. It constitutes thus a micro hub in mountain equipment. Our idea was to create a wide roof perforated by lines of light running from north to south, following the natural slope of the site, under which the program is implemented.
Wooden boards of natural oak envelop the building creating an irregular rhythm both in the façade and in the roof. The intention was to express the natural and rough aspect of the wood, so we decided to keep the bark as well as to not add any treatments.
The large atrium creates a link between the north entrance and the views towards the mountains on the South. A maximum of modularity is provided and a double height space ensures maximum views to the exterior while giving the users bright and generous working and manufacturing spaces. The terrace in the middle of the roof offers a panoramic 360 degree view to the mountain ranges surrounding the building.
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