Weathered balcony of the 19th-century wooden chalet in Le Grand-Bornand, before restoration

TANNAZ

2019 | La Tannaz | Residential

Rehabilitation of a 19th-century mountain chalet built in 1870, located at 1,500 meters altitude in Le Grand-Bornand, facing the Aravis mountain range. Like many neglected chalets, the building was at risk of collapse. The project’s goal was to secure the structure—protecting it from weather—while preserving its character and safeguarding a valuable piece of mountain heritage.

The works required extensive interventions: building an access road to bring construction machinery up the slope, excavating rock to create a basement level and add extra living space, fully realigning the structure, and completely restoring the roof. With around 300 m² of habitable surface, the chalet regained both stability and architectural integrity.

Isolated in the mountains yet open to a spectacular panorama, it now stands once again as a living, inhabited landmark, reconnecting with the spirit of the alpine landscape and the authenticity of its natural surroundings.

Rocky access track cut through the forest to reach the chalet site
Excavator building the access road up the mountainside
The neglected chalet in an alpine meadow before restoration, its roof sagging
Concrete formwork against the old timber wall while the new basement is excavated
Old timber frame propped on scaffolding while the structure is realigned
Old plank walls of the chalet during the works, with window openings
New roof rafters being installed on the chalet
Restored roof structure with exposed beams above the timber walls
Reinforced roof frame seen from inside with a view over the valley
Restored chalet with a new roof and weathered timber facade