Hotel Bellevue, Les Houches

For an architect, accustomed to using their creative potential for the development of new, contemporary structures, this task presented an unusual challenge. A total reconstruction was required to create a fully functioning modern hotel, but nothing could change with regards to its size or appearance. The shell limited the scope, so it was important to bring as rational, and as economical, a solution to life inside the tight restraints. The result is a small, manageable and very familiar and cosy mountain hotel, which offers a very special experience in the simplest way.

»We relished the chance to put life back into the hotel.  The result is a modern, sustainable building that is timeless and modest. The effortless design of the hotel does not distract from the beautiful and unique surroundings, its simply becomes part of it.«

DI Juliane Wiljotti

While preserving the “old picture” to the outside, the building was designed according to the most modern methods, with special attention to comprehensive sustainability. The core of the hotel is built of solid spruce timber. These supporting elements are always visible, forming the warm and comfortable shell in this harsh mountainous environment. These timber elements were prefabricated and assembled in a very short time. The timber “heart” was then wrapped with a 28 cm thick heat-insulating layer, which in turn is protected by a 12 cm thick brick wall. This is plastered to correspond to the appearance of the old hotel.