For decades, the Talloires town in Southeast France has charmed generations of visitors to its shores, for the intense beauty of its verdant perialpine landscapes and the sapphire Annecy lake.
It was the unspoiled nature of Talloires that laid the groundwork for this 340-square-meter home owned by design duo Carole and Fabrice Gibert, founders of architecture firm ARCHIDOMO, who also led the project.
Perched on the Talloires hillside overlooking the picturesque Lake Annecy, the dwelling is composed of three cascading volumes following the land’s gentle slope. Scroll through the gallery below (Photography: Studio Erick Saillet) to find out more about the otherwordly beauty:
Inspired by its natural surroundings, the home is built around the concept of “Organic architecture”– a philosophy coined by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright that promotes harmony between the natural world and its inhabitants – with visions to achieve a “natural and fluid navigation between living spaces, outside and inside, work and relaxation as well as reception and intimacy,” says the firm.
ARCHIDOMO founders Carole and Fabrice Gibert
In the living and dining area, the calmness of white softly complements the cold black details, a timeless aesthetic that never go out of style.
It starts with an infinity swimming pool by the entrance resembling a natural extension of the lake, accompanied by concrete staircases that lead to a lounge area fitted with Kettal Bitta lounge furniture by Rodolfo Dordoni. A 90° wall marks the main entrance that opens into the reception area lined with several rooms.
The three-storey residence appears to be floating effortlessly above the placid waters of the Annecy lake.
Spectacular views of the Annecy lake define the living and dining area on the second floor, accessed via an aerial staircase made of metal and oak. Sheathed in oversized concrete tiles, the second level boasts an elongated terrace furnished with Kettal Maia seating by Patricia Urquiola. It is connected to an alfresco dining area that takes in panoramic vistas of the serene Talloires landscape.
Bathed in natural light, the interior is characterized by straight lines and clean finishes.
Design of the living room has been kept simple to highlight the backdrop of the crystal-blue Annecy lake, with a fireplace facing the windows being the focal point. Here, an expanse of marble tiles in dark blue-grey reminiscent of the Annecy lake in the rain offsets the all-white walls in the room.
“It resonates with a decorative choice of blue and green, plant and lake tones,” say the homeowners and also the architects of the house. A vaulted ceiling in black and white achieves a sense of depth and spaciousness in the living area, completed with a group of low height leather-upholstered seating by Italian designer Antonio Citterio and a television set by Bang & Olufsen.
Adjoining the living room is a dining area marked by a vibrantly hued wall art that adds a pop of colour to the monochromatic scheme. “Nothing is excessive,” says the Gibert family. “The villa extends on a human scale as ostentation is not the norm at ARCHIDOMO.”
The muted palette of black and white is further accentuated in the kitchen saturated with matt black, where a Piero Lissoni kitchen island in oak and stainless steel takes centre stage. Creations by the Eames couple and Alvar Aalto can also be found here. “The functional space is of an unprecedented purity, high wall cupboards, black, matt without handles,” the architects note. A more private approach has been taken in the meeting room, where a fleet of S-shaped Panton chairs surround a glass table with smaller vertical windows framing the lake views.
Upstairs, the top floor is differentiated by its oak cladding, with a large overhang shielding the rooms from direct sun. It hosts the offices of the creative duo and a master bedroom wrapped by window walls, capturing unobstructed vista of the Talloires village and the lake beyond. The rooms are separated by bathrooms covered with oak louvers intended to create a sense of seclusion.
“Each space is sequenced and closely linked structurally to the architecture of the villa,” the designers conclude. As intended, this spectacular lakeside getaway has become a true “organic” masterpiece that peacefully blends into the landscape upon which it is built.
