La Colombière

Inspired by the forest it inhabits, La Colombière (Dovery) beautifully blends into the surrounding woodland. The structure – originally only a small wooden shed – was completely transformed into a distinctive forest refuge with three levels by the YH2 architecture studio. The architects maintained the footprint of the building intact to eliminate the need to cut the nearby trees. They also wanted to recreate the vertical growth pattern of the forest and to reference the shape of the lush canopies. Consequently, the structure’s harmonious design looks at home in the natural landscape. The dark cedar cladding further reinforces the link between La Colombière and its surroundings.

Inside, the bright white walls make the rooms look more spacious, despite their limited size. Throughout the interior, there’s a strong link to nature. On the ground floor, the rooms look over to the forest’s floor. The middle level features a vertical shaft with a light stairwell and large windows. On the upper floor, a covered terrace allows the inhabitants to admire the landscape among green canopies and whispering leaves. Photography© Francis Pelletier and Loukas Yiacouvakis.