Permanent Weekend House on Outskirts of Geneva: Old Chalet Finds New Expression!

A weekend house is luxury that we all long for; much like a holiday house that takes away from the constant rush of city life. Built in the early 1900’s, the Permanent Weekend House designed by Comte-Meuwly was initially on the outskirts of Geneva before the spreading city engulfed it down the years. Today, the neighborhood is much busier and yet in its latest avatar, the weekend house aims to recapture much of its traditional charm. The garden and the world outside is the central focus of the design here with the outdoors finding their way into the house itself.

Long and narrow interior of the Permanent Weekend House with ample natural light








With a modern makeover, the new structure feels anything but aged as a white interior shapes its open living area. A series of windows and doors connects the house with the curated garden outside at all times. This also brings in ample natural light and ensures that there are absolutely no dull corner anywhere. The atmosphere here is much like a vacation home and décor is kept down to a bare minimum. A dark bookshelf and fireplace in black anchors the spacious, open living area while the kitchen snugly sits in the corner.

RELATED: Hot Summer Trend: 25 Dashing Powder Rooms with Tropical Flair

Innovative new design of the house unites it with the garden outside
Lighting and garden add to the appeal of the weekend house
Modern makeover to bourgeois style chalet in Geneva
Sliding doors and smart design combine privacy with smart garden views

The idea of bringing back peacefulness and outdoorsy charm to the weekend house has been largely successful and the garden around the house adds another layer of privacy. It is a renovation that succeeds by keeping things as simple and minimal as possible at every turn!

RELATED: Extended and Revamped 1930s House Gives New Expression to the Classic A-Frame

Uncomplicated and elegant new design of the Permanent Weekend House
White and neutral bathroom of the home with connectivity to the garden
Garden becomes a part of the interior thanks to series of doors and windows
Design plan of The Permanent Weekend House

You’re reading Permanent Weekend House on Outskirts of Geneva: Old Chalet Finds New Expression!, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Similar Posts

  • Extensively Remodeled Texas Ranch House from the 60’s Offers a Relaxing Refuge

    Giving the old home a new lease of life while preserving its existing, vernacular charm is a task that demands careful balance of elements. Originally built in 1965, this ranch house in Johnson City, Texas was recently given a fresh, modern look by Mark Ashby Design while ensuring that its original ‘ranch style’ remained largely […]

    You’re reading Extensively Remodeled Texas Ranch House from the 60’s Offers a Relaxing Refuge, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

  • Kahua Kuili Residence

    The Kahua Kuili residence is a modern interpretation of the classic Hawai’i summer camp. In keeping with the firm’s design philosophy, the warm yet spacious retreat was designed with longevity in mind. Kahua Kuili incorporates centuries-old indigenous design elements paired with contemporary attitudes to create a residence that will remain relevant for generations to come. Located within the dry portion of the Kona Coast at the base of the large cinder cone Pu’u Kuili, the property offers expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and Kua Bay as well as mountain views of Hualalai. Previously the site of a working ranch, the transition to residence became an opportunity to return the majority of the landscape to its natural state: a mix of lava and bunch grasses. Inspired by traditional Hawaiian architecture, the 5,590-square-foot residence is composed of multiple structures that simultaneously provide privacy through their scattered arrangement and community through the open spaces between them. The camp-like retreat’s focal point is the main hale (Hawaiian for house), which provides a central gathering place for family and friends. The main hale opens to ocean views and the central, protected courtyard, enabling activity to flow easily between indoor and outdoor space, including to the adjacent pool and tiki bar. The bar/lounge area spills over into the pool, complete with multiple lounge chairs and breathtaking ocean views. A barbecue/luau area allows for gatherings of family and friends who can picnic under the comfort and shade of a magnificent kiawe tree. Deep roof overhangs define the transition between inside and outside and offer shelter from sun and rain. Outdoor spaces link the separate structures—guest quarters, studio, wash house, garage—to one another. The use of simple, durable materials, such as board-formed concrete, western red cedar, large sliding doors, operable wood ventilation louvers, and rope lashing help reinforce the camp-like aesthetic. Western red cedar was selected for its resistance to termites and dry rot as well as for the beautiful way it patinas with age. Natural stone cowboy walls surrounding the property help create a sense of privacy from nearby houses. The interiors, by Marion Philpotts, were designed in a comfortable, contemporary aesthetic with bright colors and retro elements that tie into the modern theme of the structure. The expansive cedar-clad kitchen features a breakfast bar, dining table, and state-of-the-art appliances. Tall ceilings, large windows, and grand sliding doors that open to the courtyard contribute to the casual ease of the house. Intimate spaces, which include cozy reading nooks and relaxing sitting areas, are scattered throughout the home. Kahua Kuili is the quintessential destination for relaxation, where one can unwind comfortably and in style, all while enjoying the natural climate and landscape of Hawaii. Project team
    Architect: Walker Warner Architects
    Interior Designer: Philpotts Interiors
    Landscape: David Y. Tamura Associates
    Builder: Maryl Construction
    Photography: Matthew Millman