In 1940, amidst the German occupation of Paris, Charlotte Perriand left France and embarked on a journey to Japan. She returned six years later after a detour through Vietnam, where she spent the wartime period. Upon her return to France, Perriand devoted two years to designing the interiors of a resort in Méribel village. However, the project faced challenges when the British developer ran out of funds. In an unconventional arrangement, he offered Perriand a piece of land as payment, and she selected a picturesque plot in a meadow surrounded by firs and aspens, bordered by a mountain stream.
In 1961, more than a decade later, Perriand realized her vision for a refuge in the woods—a unique blend of tradition and modernity, community, and isolation. The design initially featured an inclined roof covered in vegetation, inspired by her earlier hotel designs influenced by traditional Norwegian houses. However, local regulations mandated gabled roofs, in line with the architectural precedents of the Savoie region. Pernette Perriand, Charlotte’s daughter, explains that after the project faced rejection, Perriand explored the local villages, drawing inspiration from their houses, barns, and farmsteads. The final design incorporated bare stone walls, revealing the underlying structure.
Exterior
The refuge features double-paned windows beneath a gabled roof, seamlessly blending modern technology with the traditional form of local barn houses. This design element allows the Alpine sun to filter into the house, contributing to its interior warmth.
Living Room
The lower-level living room, anchored by a stone hearth, showcases furnishings designed by Perriand herself. The massive stone hearth serves as the focal point for social gatherings, where family and friends come together for activities like drinking, singing, and playing card games by an open fire.
Door
The thick stone walls surrounding the entrance reflect the architectural style of Savoyard barn houses, staying true to the local vernacular.
Kitchenette
The kitchenette design pays homage to Perriand’s early designs for prefabricated mountain shelters, showcasing a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Dining Room
The upper-level wood-paneled dining room features tatami-mat floors, drawing inspiration from Perriand’s experiences working in Japan during World War II. This design element also evokes the haylofts traditionally found in the upper eaves of Savoyard houses.
Sleeping Area
A daybed serves a dual purpose as a sleeping area for guests, and a movable wooden box acts as the first tread in the staircase connecting the house’s two levels.
Nook
A cozy nook designed for reading and relaxation, showcasing wooden paneling and a shelf for books.
Nook (Second Instance)
Another nook features vast windows that bring the surrounding landscape indoors. Perriand’s incorporation of double-paned glass, a new technology at the time, highlights her intuitive understanding of industrial materials.
