Haute-Savoie · 74500 · South shore of Lake Geneva

Architect in Évian-les-Bains.

Atelier NovAlp is an architect in Évian-les-Bains and project manager across the whole south shore of Lake Geneva. We design and manage contemporary villas with lake views, Belle Époque heritage renovations, premium chalets in the Chablais and international second homes, with particular care for noble materials, landscape integration and the handling of complex applications in protected zones.

74500
Postcode, south shore of Lake Geneva
12
Municipalities served in the Chablais
1 hr 30
From our Aix-les-Bains office
48 h
Response time to your enquiry

Architect in Évian-les-Bains: a heritage standard

Évian-les-Bains holds a unique place in Haute-Savoie. A world-renowned spa town, it gathers along less than four kilometres of shoreline an exceptional Belle Époque heritage (Royal, Ermitage, Palais Lumière, Villa Lumière, Buvette Cachat), a loyal international clientele and one of the most selective property markets in the department. Using an architect in Évian is not a trivial choice: it guarantees a project that respects local planning rules, the architectural coherence of the south shore of Lake Geneva and the heritage value attached to each plot.

Atelier NovAlp works in Évian-les-Bains from its office in Aix-les-Bains, with an integrated approach covering architecture, project management, general contracting and energy renovation certified RGE CertiRénov. This organisation gives our clients in Évian a single point of contact for the entire project, from the first site meeting to the handing over of the keys. The journey via the A40 motorway and the south shore of the lake takes about 1 hr 30, and we always travel for key meetings.

The types of project we handle in Évian-les-Bains are mostly premium: a contemporary villa on a gently sloping plot with open views over Lake Geneva and the Vaud Jura, full renovation of a 19th-century notable's chalet, refurbishment of a Belle Époque villa including restoration of original decorative features, a discreet extension to an existing second home. The materials we favour (Meillerie stone, larch, slate, standing-seam zinc) shape our architectural approach and ensure a lasting place in the Chablais landscape.

Finally, the south shore of Lake Geneva has planning constraints that we have mastered: the Loi Littoral applying along the entire lakeshore, ABF heritage architect (Architectes des Bâtiments de France) protection zones around historic monuments, specific zoning in the Évian-les-Bains PLU, and municipal rules specific to Lugrin, Neuvecelle or Maxilly-sur-Léman. We analyse each plot upfront and calibrate the preliminary design to secure the building permit review from the feasibility stage.

Our services in Évian-les-Bains

An architect, a project manager and a general contractor under one roof, serving premium projects on the south shore of Lake Geneva and throughout the Chablais.

Premium architecture

Design of a bespoke Lake Geneva villa in Évian, in dialogue with the landscape and the lake view, noble materials (Meillerie stone, larch, zinc), building permit submission, architect's signature. See our full range of services.

Full project management

OPC (scheduling, management and coordination), tendering to firms in the Chablais, coordination of the trades, budget and schedule monitoring, handover of the works. A single point of contact and a written report after every site meeting in Évian and neighbouring municipalities.

General contracting

Turnkey offer with a commitment to results, particularly suited to non-resident owners (Swiss, Parisian, Lyon-based and international clients). A fixed price, a fixed deadline, a single signature for the entire project.

Chalet renovation in Évian

Full renovation of chalets and old villas: roof structure repairs, restoration of stone or timber façades, interior modernisation respecting the original style, technical and thermal upgrading to current standards.

Belle Époque heritage

Refurbishment of Belle Époque villas and grand houses on the Lake Geneva shore: conservation of decorative features, painted timber windows, slate or zinc roofs, ABF and planning authorities, contemporary interior layout.

RGE energy-efficiency renovation

Internal or external thermal insulation, high-performance windows, heat pump, balanced ventilation with heat recovery, MaPrimeRénov' and CEE eligibility, managed under RGE CertiRénov to gain energy classes in Évian's older housing stock.

Our recent projects

All our projects →

Our office is in Aix-les-Bains. Here are some recent projects — we work throughout the Chablais.

Chalet d'Arelia — Renovation in Flumet
Chalet Arelia
Flumet (74) Luxury renovation
Le Belvédère des Alpes — Renovation in Aix-les-Bains
Le Belvédère des Alpes
Haute-Savoie Contemporary architecture
L14T — New build in Tresserve
Villa Tresserve
Tresserve (73) Lakeside villa

Municipalities served around Évian-les-Bains

Regular work on the south shore of Lake Geneva and in the Chablais. If your municipality is not listed, contact us: we work throughout Haute-Savoie.

Évian-les-Bains Neuvecelle Maxilly-sur-Léman Lugrin Meillerie Saint-Gingolph Féternes Champanges Larringes Publier Marin Amphion-les-Bains Thollon-les-Mémises Bernex Vinzier Saint-Paul-en-Chablais Chevenoz Abondance Châtel Morzine

Neuvecelle (74500). Immediately west of Évian, Neuvecelle extends the town's upmarket residential fabric with fine hillside properties overlooking the lake. We handle renovations of villas from the 1950s to 1980s, discreet extensions that preserve the view and new builds on sloping plots, working carefully on terraces, cut and fill and landscape integration.

Maxilly-sur-Léman (74500). Immediately east of Évian, Maxilly combines lakefront with villages oriented towards vineyards and orchards. Our projects there include family homes, renovations of stone farmhouses and contemporary villas with a dual lake and mountain aspect. The PLU allows ambitious schemes on certain plots, subject to a close reading of the protected sectors.

Lugrin (74500). Stretching along a long shoreline between Maxilly and Meillerie, Lugrin has a large stock of lakeside second homes. Frequent requests concern the full renovation of poorly insulated 1960s-70s houses, contemporary extensions to existing villas and the creation of outbuildings (pool house, pool enclosure, guest studio) on the lakeshore.

Meillerie (74500). A village with a quarrying tradition at the foot of the cliffs, Meillerie gave its name to the famous limestone used throughout the south shore of Lake Geneva. We work there on renovations of small fishermen's houses, discreet new builds and projects that naturally showcase the local stone quarried just metres from the site.

Saint-Gingolph (74500). A border municipality shared with Switzerland, Saint-Gingolph adds to the French constraints rules on appearance and scale consistent with the opposite bank. Our work there includes heritage renovations, contemporary villas with sweeping views over the Grand Lac, and representing Franco-Swiss clients in their dealings with the planning authorities.

Féternes (74500). A village perched above Lake Geneva, Féternes offers more affordable plots than the lakefront while keeping open views of the Dent d'Oche and the Grand Lac. It is a good area for building a premium family home on a controlled budget, under full project management or general contracting.

Champanges (74500). Between Évian and the road to Les Gets, Champanges retains a rural character, with farmhouses to refurbish and attractive building plots. The schemes we carry out there often combine heritage renovation and contemporary extension to reorganise the home in the manner of an architect-designed house.

Larringes (74500). An agricultural plateau above Évian, Larringes hosts new timber-frame builds, barn conversions and energy-efficient homes. We work there regularly on high-performance schemes eligible for enhanced RE2020 labels.

Publier and Amphion-les-Bains (74500). West of Évian, Publier is home to the emblematic Évian spring and the Amphion lakefront, a natural continuation of Évian's beach. Projects there involve second homes, upmarket apartments to renovate and new villas on the last building plots along the shore.

Thollon-les-Mémises (74500). A mountain resort some twenty minutes from Évian, Thollon combines a family ski resort with mountain second homes. High-altitude chalets, renovations of alpine farmhouses and timber-frame new builds are among our regular projects, with the specific constraints of the Loi Montagne (mountain planning law).

To broaden your view of our work in the 74 department, see our project manager Haute-Savoie page. For the immediately neighbouring area, see also Thonon-les-Bains and Annemasse. For the ski side of the mountains, see Megève and Chamonix.

Types of project handled in Évian-les-Bains

Lake Geneva villa in Évian: new build with lake view. This is the flagship request on the south shore. A gently sloping plot, open views over the Grand Lac and the mountains of the Vaud Jura, a scheme combining contemporary volumes and noble materials. We design the architecture, submit the building permit, tender to firms in the Chablais and manage the works through to handover. Typical floor areas range from 180 to 450 m², with an integrated pool, panoramic terrace and technical basement. The orientation is optimised to catch the morning sun over the lake and protect living spaces from the western sun in summer.

Chalet renovation in Évian and Belle Époque villas. Évian has a remarkable stock of villas built between 1880 and 1930 for the clientele of the spa palace hotels. These properties are now ripe for full renovation: roof structure repairs, restoration of painted timber windows, conservation or like-for-like replacement of zinc or slate roofs, deep thermal insulation compatible with old buildings, reorganisation of the interior to suit contemporary living. These projects always go through the planning authorities and, for listed buildings or those in a protected zone, through the ABF heritage architect (Architecte des Bâtiments de France).

Luxury homes in the Chablais and second homes. A large share of Évian's clientele is non-resident: owners from Switzerland, Lyon, Paris and abroad. For these clients, our assignments include, beyond our core architecture and project management work, genuine local representation: monthly site visits, detailed reports, meetings at the town hall and with the firms involved, and approval of technical choices adapted to the distance. A single point of contact handles your project from start to finish.

Extending an existing house and adding a storey. On the older plots in central Évian and the lakeside municipalities, extension remains a key way to gain comfort without leaving a sought-after address. We handle contemporary timber-frame additions, bioclimatic conservatories, lightweight added storeys and new outbuildings (pool house, self-contained studio, integrated garage). Each project starts with a review of the PLU to check building rights and anticipate any ABF constraints.

RGE energy renovation of older housing. Évian's pre-1975 buildings are often rated E, F or G on the energy performance certificate (DPE). Our RGE CertiRénov certification gives our clients access to MaPrimeRénov' grants and Energy Savings Certificates, with an average gain of two to three energy classes after a coordinated deep renovation (insulation, high-performance windows, heat pump, balanced ventilation with heat recovery). The increase in the property's resale value is a significant additional return on investment in a market as tight as Évian's.

Frequently asked questions — Évian-les-Bains

Why use an architect in Évian rather than a project manager alone?
In Évian-les-Bains, most projects are about heritage and asset value: Belle Époque villas to restore, new builds on the shores of Lake Geneva, second homes where architectural quality directly affects the value of the property. The architect signs the building permit from 150 m² of floor area and takes on professional liability for the design. For premium projects on the south shore of Lake Geneva, this dual architect-plus-project-manager signature is recommended: it secures the review of the application by the planning authorities, reassures future buyers and adds value to the building on resale. Atelier NovAlp wears both hats in-house.
What budget should you plan for a villa or a high-end renovation in Évian?
The property market in Évian-les-Bains and on the south shore of Lake Geneva is one of the tightest in Haute-Savoie, driven by international buyers and the scarcity of lakefront land. Construction costs there are above the departmental average: a contemporary villa with a lake view starts at around €3,200 to €3,800/m² excluding land, while a full renovation of a chalet or Belle Époque villa comes to €2,200 to €3,200/m² depending on the condition of the existing building and the level of finish. Noble materials (Meillerie stone, naturally weathered larch, zinc, powder-coated aluminium windows) weigh on the budget. A free preliminary feasibility study allows your budget to be defined precisely.
Is the Évian-les-Bains PLU restrictive for building on the shores of Lake Geneva?
Yes, particularly along the shoreline. The Évian-les-Bains PLU applies the Loi Littoral along the entire lakeshore, which limits development close to the lake and requires green breaks between built-up areas to be preserved. Listed sectors and the opinion of the ABF heritage architects (Architectes des Bâtiments de France) are common around the spa centre and the great historic hotels (Royal, Ermitage). The regulations also impose limited heights, façade materials in keeping with local identity and strict management of lake views. We analyse each plot case by case before making any promise of feasibility.
How do you obtain a building permit in Évian-les-Bains?
The standard review period is 2 months for a detached house, or 3 months if the project requires the opinion of the ABF heritage architect (Architecte des Bâtiments de France). In Évian-les-Bains, this extended period is common because of the protection zones around the Belle Époque palace hotels, the Palais Lumière and the lakefront. We put together the complete application (plans, sections, elevations, landscape statement, visual integration), submit it to the town hall and follow it through until approval. For renovations that do not alter the external appearance, a prior declaration (déclaration préalable) may be sufficient, with the period reduced to 1 month.
Do you work on Belle Époque villas or second homes needing renovation?
Yes, heritage renovation is at the heart of our work on the south shore of Lake Geneva. Évian has inherited a remarkable stock of Belle Époque villas, grand town houses and chalets built for local notables between 1880 and 1930, often ripe for complete refurbishment: re-roofing in zinc or slate, restoration of timber windows and doors, thorough thermal upgrading without spoiling the façades, contemporary interior reconfiguration. We also work on second homes owned by clients from Switzerland, Lyon or Paris: we represent the client at planning meetings and site meetings, to limit your travel.
Are you present in Évian for site meetings?
Yes. Our office is in Aix-les-Bains but we always travel to Évian-les-Bains and throughout the Chablais for key meetings: initial site visit, architectural survey, kick-off meeting, weekly site meetings, handover of the works. The journey via the A40 motorway and then the RD1005 takes about 1 hr 30. For premium projects, we also offer full representation of the client at meetings with the town hall, with the ABF heritage architects and with the trades, which particularly suits non-resident owners.
Which materials should you favour for a villa in Évian-les-Bains?
The south shore of Lake Geneva has a strong architectural language that is best respected: Meillerie stone quarried locally for centuries, rough-sawn or naturally weathered larch for cladding, roofs in Angers slate or standing-seam zinc, painted timber windows in understated tones. For contemporary projects, powder-coated aluminium, textured concrete and large glazed openings are accepted provided the landscape integration is well handled. We always select noble, durable materials that suit the lakeside climate (humidity, spray, temperature swings) and the expectations of premium clients.
Who should you contact for an RGE energy renovation in Évian?
Atelier NovAlp holds RGE CertiRénov certification from Qualitel, which makes our clients in Évian eligible for MaPrimeRénov' grants and Energy Savings Certificates (CEE). In Évian-les-Bains' older housing stock, often rated E, F or G on the energy performance certificate (DPE), a deep energy renovation (wall insulation, window replacement, heat pump, balanced ventilation with heat recovery) can gain two to three energy classes and increase the value of the property before resale. We manage the entire process: audit, coordinated works, grant applications.
What are the stages of NovAlp's project management in Évian-les-Bains?
Our assignment follows five structured stages: 1) diagnosis and feasibility with a site visit, survey and detailed reading of the PLU and easements, 2) architectural sketch and costed preliminary design presented at our office or remotely, 3) submission of the building permit or prior declaration (déclaration préalable) and follow-up of the review at the town hall, 4) tendering to firms in the Chablais and comparative analysis of bids to secure a fixed price, 5) weekly site supervision through to handover of the works and clearance of snagging items. A dedicated point of contact throughout the project, a written report at each stage, transparent budget tracking.
Your project in Évian-les-Bains?

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facing Lake Geneva.

First on-site meeting, visit of your plot or the property to be renovated, and preliminary feasibility study: free and with no obligation. We will call you back within 48 hours.

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