Aravis chalet and architect
in La Clusaz.

The Aravis massif holds a special place in Haute-Savoie: two iconic ski resorts (La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand), an authentic valley around Thônes, and an agricultural heritage of log farmhouses and mountain pasture chalets of rare density. Architectural commissions there are driven by two complementary trends: on the one hand, local families renovating their grandparents' house or enlarging their main home; on the other, high-end second-home buyers, often non-resident, looking for a contemporary Aravis chalet that does not turn its back on traditional Alpine design.

Working as an architect in La Clusaz or project manager in Le Grand-Bornand requires in-depth knowledge of resort local plans (PLU), UTN zones (new tourism developments), the architectural charter and locally approved materials. Required roof pitches, overhangs, cladding colours, the proportion of openings on facades: each commune has its own rules, sometimes revised from one year to the next. Our office, based in Aix-les-Bains 40 minutes from the Aravis valley via the A41 and D909, follows these changes continuously and maintains a regular dialogue with the planning departments of Thônes, Manigod, Saint-Jean-de-Sixt and the two main resorts.

Our projects in the Aravis fall into three main types: new timber-frame chalets on sloping plots, often above 1,100 m; renovation of log farmhouses and mountain pasture chalets, with upgraded insulation, reorganised volumes and modernised services; extensions and additional storeys for existing houses, for resident families or owners who want to host their loved ones more comfortably in winter. NovAlp's architect in Manigod or project manager in Thônes carries the project from the first sketch to the handover of the keys, with a single point of contact and a firm commitment on both timescales and budgets.

The seasons shape the way we work at altitude. Structural work is scheduled between May and October, the finishing trades continue under cover in winter, and from the pricing phase we anticipate road closures, access during snowy periods and the availability of the trades. In the Aravis valley and the Bornes, the trades we mobilise — carpenters, roofers, plasterers, plumbers, electricians and kitchen fitters — are based in Thônes, Saint-Jean-de-Sixt or Flumet, which guarantees responsiveness and quality of workmanship. More than ten years of experience in the Alpine region and our RGE CertiRénov certification validate this hands-on approach, in the service of durable, energy-efficient projects.

New timber frame chalet in the Aravis. A new chalet is the most frequent request in La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand and Manigod: a family programme of 120 to 250 m², timber frame on a concrete slab, steeply pitched roof, larch or spruce cladding, large south-facing glazing. We design each chalet around the topography (often a steep slope), the open views to be preserved and the precise rules of the resort's local plan (PLU). Complying with RE2020 in climate zone H1c steers insulation, joinery and ventilation choices towards the top of the range.

Renovation of log farmhouses and alpine chalets. The farming heritage of the Bornes and Aravis (timber-framed farmhouses, mazots, alpine chalets, burons) regularly attracts restoration requests. The typical brief includes a structural survey of the existing timber, re-roofing in wooden shingles (tavaillons) or zinc according to the municipal charter, high-performance insulation using sarking or from the inside with bio-based materials, and a modern interior layout that respects the original volumes. Our Aravis chalet renovation projects always retain the defining features: purlins, joists, exposed main beams, old ironwork.

Chalet extensions and adding a storey. Enlarging an existing family chalet gives you a panoramic living room, an extra floor or a reception space without leaving the property. Whether it is a side extension or adding a storey, we work carefully on the junction with the existing building: roof connection, continuity of materials, smooth circulation. Building permits in resort areas or UTN zones need careful preparation; our role as architect in La Clusaz and project manager covers this entire administrative phase.

Premium second homes for non-resident clients. A large share of commissions in the Aravis comes from owners based in Paris, Lyon, Geneva or abroad who are looking for a second home in an authentic resort. For these clients, our general contracting service is a good fit: a single point of contact, illustrated weekly reports, remote approvals, and representation at planning meetings and site meetings. Most of them only travel for 2 or 3 key moments (sketch approval, structure visit, handover).

RGE energy renovation at altitude. Many older chalets in the Aravis fall into energy classes E, F or G. Our RGE CertiRénov certified practice handles energy renovation projects eligible for MaPrimeRénov' (the French state renovation grant) and Energy Savings Certificates (CEE): upgraded insulation (walls, roof, ground floors), replacing the boiler with a heat pump, triple-glazed windows, heat-recovery ventilation. At altitude, this work radically transforms winter comfort and cuts energy consumption dramatically.