In the exclusive Swiss Alpine village of Verbier, design practice Studio Piet Boon convert a traditional timber chalet into a refined winter abode for a young family.
Dutch-based, globally-recognised interior design firm Studio Piet Boon have an extensive residential design portfolio that spans the globe. Led by designer Piet Boon, the team have realised projects throughout Europe, the Caribbean, North America, South Africa, Korea, and soon, Melbourne, Australia.
The studio’s newest project, set in the Swiss Alps, sees Studio Piet Boon’s ‘modern interpretation’ of a traditional village house, with a newfound emphasis on light, flow and prioritising panoramic mountain views.
Studio Piet Boon finished the walls of the kitchen and living room in a warm grey plaster. Pieces in this monochrome space include the MASS kitchen suite, designed by Studio Piet Boon, and the studio’s own SAAR stools.
The design team ensured hallmarks of the quintessential ski lodge, including timber ceilings, were retained in certain areas. Studio Piet Boon’s designs feature throughout this space; the JANE dining chairs, IDS dining table and DON sofa in the living room. The Lasvit Growing Vases pendant light is pictured above.
Bringing the Outside In
At the foot of the Swiss Alps lies Valais, an L-shaped village in south-western Switzerland bordered by Italy to the south and France to the west. It’s here where the cosmopolitan town of Verbier lies, home to the largest holiday resort and ski area in Switzerland. Framed by white mountains, rows of chalets and snow-capped pine trees, the picturesque village appears something out of a postcard.
Piet Boon explains it was important to translate the innate and versatile beauty of the landscape into every aspect of the design. “The mountains start with rough layers and jagged edges that eventually end with soft and smooth curves,” Piet Boon says. “We ensured this concept was carried through each layer of the home.” The exterior reflects the rocky mountain foothills; clad entirely in stackstone and timber beams. Light tunnels in the basement and repositioned windows in the main living area introduce a natural light source into the once-dark home. The existing central fireplace has been removed and replaced against the wall, inviting spectacular views of the slopes inside.
The existing central fireplace in the living room has been removed and placed against the wall instead, inviting spectacular views of the slopes into the home. This space features an extended version of the Lasvit Growing Vases pendant, alongside the Studio Piet Boon JANE swivel chair and GIJS outdoor seat.
The home’s staircase and basement abandon any form of exposed timber, taking on an entirely new persona through polished plaster and stone.
The bed in the primary bedroom overlooks the Verbier resort and chairlift through floor-to-ceiling gridded windows. Studio Piet Boon’s door hardware in collaboration with Formani features on the built-in robes. Artwork: Casper Faassen.
The Modern Chalet
To coax the ski lodge into the present day, Studio Piet Boon finished the walls of the four bedrooms, hallways, kitchen and living room in a warm grey plaster, cultivating a soft palette akin to, as Piet mentioned, the smooth peak of a snow-covered mountain. Layers of tactility punctuate the blank canvas such as the plush carpet and sheepskin and leather furniture; a subtle nod to the traditional furnishings in these winter homes.
The ensuite features a steam shower behind a sleek frameless and tinted glass door. Together with the Piet Boon Cocoon copper tap, the bathroom evokes a quiet sense of tranquil luxury.
The exterior reflects the rocky mountain foothills, clad entirely in stackstone and timber beams.
The Studio Piet Boon DISC heater, ANNE outdoor table and NIEK outdoor chair.
