Not far from Saint-Ferréol, from the path that follows the course of the river La Chaise, the cabin can be maked out, rising up among the trees, a landmark, like the roof of a bell tower. As we get closer, we realise that its tall structure rests on a series of small pillars rising from the ground, building a light and permeable space that draws the eye to look out over the river and invites the body to pass through, to slip under the protective roof.
We come to take refuge in this "in-between", between inside and outside, and to observe the nature that surrounds it. Standing, we are enveloped by the roof, absorbed in the repetition of the structure towards the sky. Sitting, we become fully aware of the presence of water, its roar and its flow. The hut becomes an oratory for meditation and communication with nature.
The implementation of this large pyramidal roof highlights a technique rooted in the history of Haute-Savoie architecture: the “tavaillon” (wooden shingle). These traditional wooden planks are nailed to the purlins, edge to edge and with a vertical coating, providing excellent insulation and protection against rain and snow. They give a new dimension to the ceiling, which vibrates according to the light and the point of view.
Constructively, the roof is supported by fifteen circular columns. Each pillar is stabilised and braced in the ground, so that each one emerges directly from the soil. For ease of construction, the skeleton of the roof is built at ground level, at the same time as the pillars. Once assembled, the wooden tile cladding takes shape by leaving a 15mm open joint between each piece.
L'Oratoire de la Chaise was an ephemeral construction realised at the 2021 edition of the Festival des cabanes d'Annecy
