From village stable to contemporary dwelling

Located in the heart of Chernex, a village above Lake Geneva, The Stable Conversion breathes new life into a former eighteenth-century postal stable. Link Architectes transformed the previously underutilized structure—once home to horses and a professional kitchen—into a contemporary single-family home. Embedded within a cluster of historic village buildings, the project respects its surroundings while introducing a distinct modernity.

Selective intervention and careful integration

Due to spatial constraints, interventions focused on the south and east facades, the only sides not hemmed in by neighboring structures. The southern facade, heavily altered over time, was completely rebuilt using original stones combined with concrete, giving a new expression to traditional Alpine masonry. Windows were reconfigured to open views toward the Dents du Midi and the Rhône valley while preserving the residents’ privacy.

Preserving access and memory

On the eastern side, which faces a small courtyard, the former carriage entrance became a symbolic and structural anchor. A new concrete arch frames the main entry, maintaining the stable’s original access point. This gesture subtly references the building’s past while marking its new residential function. Throughout, there’s a measured interplay of preservation and innovation, keeping the memory of the stable intact while adapting it to modern living.

Spatial flow and material contrast

The interior unfolds vertically across three levels. A basement connects to an existing underground garage, while the partially subterranean ground floor houses the kitchen and dining room in a monolithic concrete volume. In contrast, the upper floors, constructed entirely of wood, introduce warmth and lightness to the living and sleeping spaces. A half-level stair design ensures smooth circulation, adding rhythm to the compact yet fluid layout.

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