Minimalist design with Dornbracht fittings and Alape washstands
French mountain chalet with a view: Dornbracht fittings and Alape washstands complete the minimalist design
The Mountain House is a chalet in Manigod, a village at the foot of the Aravis Mountain range in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region not far from the French ski resort of La Clusaz. The architects behind the property – Studio Razavi Architecture – painstakingly researched the historic buildings of the region and have reinterpreted the traditional Savoyard housing in a modern way, drawing on its cube-like style and utilising the local material palette. The base of the chalet measures 200m² and is constructed from cast-in-place concrete to give it a historic look and feel, reminiscent of stables and workshops. The timber structures stacked atop of the solid base are recessed offering protection from the region’s diverse weather conditions.
The coherent exterior contrasts with the excitement brought about by the succession of indoor spaces. Floor by floor, the living spaces get brighter as one climbs higher. Gradually filling with light, the rooms offer spectacularly scenic views. This reaches a climax on the top floor where the living area features a fireplace, and a floor-to-ceiling panoramic window that frames the snow-covered landscape outside and provides a breathtaking view over the mountains. The first floor is home to bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms where the inside walls are covered in timber panelling creating a warm and cosy atmosphere. The statement matt black kitchen sets the tone, and the furniture throughout the property has been carefully curated to remain sensitive to the local heritage.
For the property’s bathrooms and sauna, the architects opted for a combination of wood and large natural stone slabs in a dark finish. The areas have been carefully arranged to create an optical illusion; an interplay between light and dark, hot and cold. The wall-mounted version of Alape’s MC series was chosen for the washstands and has been beautifully combined with Dornbracht’s iconic Tara fitting whereas, the shower features the brand’s Meta design series. The chalet’s minimalist design is complemented by the characteristic, clear lines of the Alape and Dornbracht products which have been specified.
Dornbracht - The Mountain House chalet is not far from the French ski resort of La Clusaz - Photographer: Olivier-Martin Gambier
Dornbracht - The Mountain House chalet is not far from the French ski resort of La Clusaz - Photographer: Olivier-Martin Gambier
The Branch House in Montecito, California: Dornbracht fittings to complete the kitchen and bathroom
TOLO Architecture has designed a cluster of nature inspired open and airy pavilions named The Branch House, located in the hills of Montecito in California, using fittings from German kitchen and bathroom design brand, Dornbracht.
The eight structures, which include private and public areas, are connected by a glass lined passageway that doubles as a private art gallery. Following the path of the sun and positioning of native trees, the different angles and shapes of the interlinked glass façades and copper-tiled roofs offer all-encompassing views of the landscape.
Minimal interior furnishings include a polished concrete floor, simple veneer surfaces and crisp white walls as a background for the art collection. Blue, pink and yellow tiles set the tone in the open kitchen and bathrooms, and light from above falls directly onto the large kitchen island, which has two different-sized sinks integrated into the worktop. These are complemented by three Tara fittings from Dornbracht, as well as the Tara Pot Filler mounted on the wall. Tara is also present in the bathrooms – its clear lines and slender, semi-circular spout demonstrates the versatility of the design. The balanced proportions of the fitting are the perfect complement to the Californian home. The programmatic approach through the function of the rooms and the link to the landscape, recalls the spirit of the Case Study Houses with a modern interpretation.
-ENDS-
Tirna Sweeney
Dornbracht
Holger Struck | Tel. +49 2371 433-119 | Email hstruck@dornbracht.com
Julia Hesse | Tel. +49 2371 433-2117 | Email jhesse@dornbracht.com
Alape
Nadine Chall | Tel. +495321 558-139 | Email nchall@alape.com
About Dornbracht
Based in Iserlohn, Dornbracht is the leading specialist supplier of superior designer fittings and accessories for bathroom, spa, and kitchen. The company was founded in 1950 and is represented by a portfolio of products on more than 125 markets worldwide. With clearly-defined design principles for a lasting product design and a consistent focus on user needs,Dornbracht has transformed the bathroom and kitchen into living spaces – and in so doing, continues to set new standards. The premium manufacturer is famous worldwide for its design and architectural expertise and quality of manufacture at the highest level and underlines its leadership aspirations with the brand claim “Leading Designs for Architecture”. BIM data for Dornbracht products can be accessed at www.bimobject.com.
About Alape
Alape was founded in 1896 by Adolf Lamprecht in Penig as a business for making enamel products. Now the company employs 170 people at two production locations in Goslar and produces aesthetic bathroom solutions for the private and semi-public domain. The standard of Alape’s workmanship epitomises technical and functional quality and inspiring design. Glazed steel combined with other, high-quality materials brings the individual design of Alape to an environment shaped by architecture.