Chalet African
Gstaad, Switzerland
Private Residence
Ca. 2600 sqm
Completed
Francis Kéré, Nachson Mimram
Jeanne Autran-Edorh, Kinan Deeb, Juan Carlos Zapata
Andrea Maretto, Fabiola Büchele, Odile Tang, Ervin Muhovic
Project Management, Construction and Engineering: Chaletbau Matti
Lighting Design: Hervé Descottes, L'Observatoire International
Interior Design: Muza Lab
Interior Design Disco: Studio Karhard
Landscape Design: Studio Zewde
Graphic Design: Gottschalk+Ash Int’l
Textile and Furniture: Aissa Dione
Private
In the Alpine landscape of Gstaad, Switzerland, Kéré Architecture designed the Chalet African, a private residence created in collaboration with Nachson Mimran. The project merges African design traditions with Swiss Alpine craftsmanship to form a space that transcends cultural boundaries. It reflects a simple but powerful idea: that exceptional architecture does not depend on expensive materials but on thoughtful design, craftsmanship, and shared imagination. The Chalet African serves both as a family home and a place for cultural exchange. Two interconnected chalets house spaces organized around three central themes: Regenerate, Think, and Play.
The Regenerate area centers on an indoor-outdoor pool beneath a bamboo canopy imagined as a reflection of the universe—a place for rest, contemplation, and connection. The pool is designed to engage all the senses, embracing the body and mind through light, movement, and texture. The Think forum occupies the living area of one chalet and is conceived as a space for reflection and conversation. At its center, an open circular hearth with an asymmetrical conical hood draws the eye upward, encouraging ideas to move freely in every direction. The design recalls moments from Kéré’s childhood in Burkina Faso, where gathering around a fire was both a source of warmth and a place for storytelling. This sense of community lies at the heart of the project. The Play zone invites joy, movement, and creative energy with a discotheque, bowling alley, and sculptural works created in collaboration with African artisans. Across every space, the design shows that beauty emerges from collaboration and a shared willingness to explore new possibilities.
Led by Kéré, the project united a wide network of designers and artists, including Hervé Descottes, Muza Lab, Sara Zewde, Aïssa Dione, Gottschalk+Ash Int’l, Ini Archibong, Esther Mahlangu, and Rashid Johnson. Each brought their own perspective, creating a collective work that thrives on dialogue and mutual respect. Chaletbau Matti brought their unique expertise in realising the project.
Looking ahead, the Chalet African will host an artist residency program, offering a platform for international creators to experiment, collaborate, and exchange ideas. The project embodies Kéré’s philosophy that harmony and innovation arise through curiosity and a spirit of openness. Standing between continents, the Chalet African is a celebration of reflection, creativity, and play—an architectural expression of community shaped by both craft and imagination.
In the Alpine landscape of Gstaad, Switzerland, Kéré Architecture designed the Chalet African, a private residence created in collaboration with Nachson Mimran. The project merges African design traditions with Swiss Alpine craftsmanship to form a space that transcends cultural boundaries. It reflects a simple but powerful idea: that exceptional architecture does not depend on expensive materials but on thoughtful design, craftsmanship, and shared imagination. The Chalet African serves both as a family home and a place for cultural exchange. Two interconnected chalets house spaces organized around three central themes: Regenerate, Think, and Play.
The Regenerate area centers on an indoor-outdoor pool beneath a bamboo canopy imagined as a reflection of the universe—a place for rest, contemplation, and connection. The pool is designed to engage all the senses, embracing the body and mind through light, movement, and texture. The Think forum occupies the living area of one chalet and is conceived as a space for reflection and conversation. At its center, an open circular hearth with an asymmetrical conical hood draws the eye upward, encouraging ideas to move freely in every direction. The design recalls moments from Kéré’s childhood in Burkina Faso, where gathering around a fire was both a source of warmth and a place for storytelling. This sense of community lies at the heart of the project. The Play zone invites joy, movement, and creative energy with a discotheque, bowling alley, and sculptural works created in collaboration with African artisans. Across every space, the design shows that beauty emerges from collaboration and a shared willingness to explore new possibilities.
Led by Kéré, the project united a wide network of designers and artists, including Hervé Descottes, Muza Lab, Sara Zewde, Aïssa Dione, Gottschalk+Ash Int’l, Ini Archibong, Esther Mahlangu, and Rashid Johnson. Each brought their own perspective, creating a collective work that thrives on dialogue and mutual respect. Chaletbau Matti brought their unique expertise in realising the project.
Looking ahead, the Chalet African will host an artist residency program, offering a platform for international creators to experiment, collaborate, and exchange ideas. The project embodies Kéré’s philosophy that harmony and innovation arise through curiosity and a spirit of openness. Standing between continents, the Chalet African is a celebration of reflection, creativity, and play—an architectural expression of community shaped by both craft and imagination.
