In the canton of Bern, two chalets were brought together respecting the codes of traditional alpine habitat. On the facade, it was the Burkinabé architect Francis Kéré who created the wooden sculptures.
Directed by Berit Hoerschelmann Photos Cassie Floto Warner
Popular wisdom says that nothing will be achieved if everyone puts in their two cents. But Nachson Mimran is not limited to preconceived ideas. “The more, the merrier”says this activist committed to the climate and the empowerment of refugees, also co-founder of the to.org platform. It is precisely this state of mind that attracted a philanthropist-entrepreneur wanting to build a private residence in Gstaad.
The indoor-outdoor pool connects two private chalets. On the ceiling, a canopy designed by Francis Kéré from 9,964 laser-cut bamboo stems.
-© Directed by Berit Hoerschelmann / Photos Cassie Floto Warner
A project to catalyze cultural exchanges, an opportunity to highlight the work of international designers and creators, those from Africa and the African diaspora in particular. Commissioned by the client, Nachson Mimran, who grew up between West Africa and Switzerland, took on the role of creative director. “What ideas emerge when we bring together several strong voices? » he asks. Among them, that of Francis Kéré, Burkinabe architect and Pritzker Prize winner who designed schools in rural areas of his country. In Gstaad, the two used their shared experience in refugee camps to transform two classic chalets into innovation laboratories. Designed with Chaletbau Matti, a Swiss company specializing in traditional alpine housing, the juxtaposed residences comply with local building codes.
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