Using a bioclimatic approach where architecture collaborates with nature, the protagonist of the environment, the AW² architecture studio has designed a set of twenty-five cabins for Coucco Cabanes in the area of ​​the "Grands Lacs", a natural environment that surrounds the French town of Chassey-lès-Montbozon.

The project seeks to generate relaxed spaces where a calm atmosphere enhances the exchanges between nature and users. The twenty-five Coucco Cabanes are distributed over a surface area of ​​one hundred and fifty hectares, located in specific places chosen for the opportunities and vulnerabilities that the original site presented.

The cabins designed by AW² are distributed over three levels, each offering different ways to enjoy the tranquillity and harmony experienced in the middle of nature. An external structure opens to reveal the interior spaces while partially covering them, making them protected but open to the surrounding landscape.

In order to protect the natural environment in which the project is located and its biodiversity, the constructions are carried out trying to have a minimum impact on the land, installing prefabricated modules with locally sourced wood in a short time. The Coucoo Cabanes project supports the local economy, reduces its carbon footprint thanks to short transport distances and promotes traditional crafts in the region.

Coucoo Cabanes des Grands Lacs por AW². Fotografía por David Rosemberg.

Coucoo Cabanes des Grands Lacs by AW². Photograph by David Rosemberg.

Project description by AW²

In symbiosis with the surrounding context
The architecture and interior design studio AW² has always created projects with high added value, employing a customised bioclimatic approach in symbiosis with the surrounding context. This approach to sustainable architecture, rooted in the studio’s identity, echoes the values and environmental principles upheld by Coucoo Cabanes, a company that advocates «a living biodiversity and a better interaction between humans and nature». This collaboration was born out of these shared values.

In June 2024, AW² delivered four new cabins to complement the existing 25 cabins implanted over a 150-hectare site in the village of Chassey-lès- Montbozon in Franche-Comté, France.

Coucoo Cabanes des Grands Lacs por AW². Fotografía por David Rosemberg.
Coucoo Cabanes des Grands Lacs by AW². Photograph by David Rosemberg.

Architecture & Nature
The four cabins on the Grands Lacs estate are the first in a series of collaborations between the studio and Coucoo Cabanes. Here, architecture and nature live in symbiosis. Guests are drawn to the property in order to experience a sense of humility and tranquillity in the presence of nature’s majesty.

These new cabins are designed over three levels housed in a protective envelope. The cabin’s design is reminiscent of a bud just before it blossoms: the external structure opens up to reveal the interior spaces, sheltered but open to the surrounding landscape.

The first level, raised on stilts, opens onto the view and the gentle breeze. This vast, protected terrace allows guests to live outside, sheltered from the sun and rain.

The second level houses the bedroom. The open bay windows allow the space to be naturally ventilated, whilst enjoying the views.

Coucoo Cabanes des Grands Lacs por AW². Fotografía por David Rosemberg.
Coucoo Cabanes des Grands Lacs by AW². Photograph by David Rosemberg.

The third level features a Nordic bath. This is where guests can unwind, immersed in the water and the treetops. At this height, the views are breathtaking. Whether by oneself or accompanied, the terrace allows guests to soak up the views whilst reconnecting with the ever-present natural world.

The AW²: designed cabins respect the existing biodiversity as they emerge from the trees on the periphery of the nature reserve. Whether open or closed, their façades – the two protective envelopes – offer unobstructed views of the forest and lakes.

The outer structure is either closed or perforated. It acts as a filter, providing shelter, framing views, protecting from the sun and wind, and creating a strong connection with the natural world in such close proximity.

Bespoke Furniture
The wooden furniture has been specifically designed to blend in with the architecture of the cabin. Positioned in the centre, the bed also serves as a space divider in the bedroom. The lounge area is created by a simple curved bench and a coffee table. Opposite, guests can find the coffee and tea amenities. Towards the back of the cabin, screened by the headboard, the washbasin and dry toilet have been integrated. Finally, the wardrobe and shelving unit complete the layout in the opposite corner.

Thermal comfort, provided by the high-performance insulation of the envelope, is enhanced by the openings on the opposing façades. This allows cross-air circulation, further assisted by a fan positioned above the bed. The space is optimised, predominantly open plan, and offers a constant visual connection with the landscape outside.

Coucoo Cabanes des Grands Lacs por AW². Fotografía por David Rosemberg.
Coucoo Cabanes des Grands Lacs by AW². Photograph by David Rosemberg.

Sustainable Architecture and Local Production
In this project, the choice of materials and construction methods accentuates the experience of total contact with nature.

The location of each cabin is determined by the opportunities and vulnerabilities of the site. The aim is to protect the natural environment whilst creating the best possible experience for the guests.

The cabins were constructed by MCF Bois, a company specialised in timber framing, whose workshop is located just one hour and 15 minutes from the Grands Lacs site.

Coucoo Cabanes des Grands Lacs por AW². Fotografía por David Rosemberg.
Coucoo Cabanes des Grands Lacs by AW². Photograph by David Rosemberg.

The chosen type of wood was Douglas fir and the trees were felled less than 30km from the workshop. The cabins were prefabricated in the workshop, then transported to the site.

This prefabrication process, together with the use of adapted lifting equipment, meant that the construction time on site was reduced (only four days per cabin) and the impact on the terrain was minimal, thereby helping to protect the site and its biodiversity.

The Coucoo Cabanes project supports the local economy, reduces its carbon footprint thanks to short transportation distances, and promotes the region’s traditional craftsmanship.

More information

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Architects
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AW². Lead architects.- Reda Amalou, Stéphanie Ledoux.

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Client
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Coucoo Cabanes.

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Builder
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MCF Bois.

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Area
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Site.- 150 hectares.

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Dates
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Manufacture and assembly of the cabins at the MCF Bois workshop.- 4 months.
Preparation and assembly of cabins on site.- 7 weeks.
Completed.- June 2024.

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Location
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Chassey-lès-Montbozon, Bourgogne Franche-Comté. France.

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Manufacturers
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Bedding.- Tediber.
Felted wool curtains.- Window Paris.
Chairs.- Tikamoon.
Breakfast tray, mirror, bespoke interior table.- Miroko.
Cushions, fabric for benches and seats.- Abi Decor.
Dry toilets.- L’écopot.
Terracotta bollard lights.- Toscot.
Nordic baths.- Altipure.

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Photography
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AW². International architecture and interior design studio led by partner architects Reda Amalou and Stéphanie Ledoux. Réda Amalou graduated from the University of East London and founded the agency in 1997 in Paris, France. Stéphanie Ledoux trained as an architect at the École Spéciale d’Architecture in Paris. She joins the studio in 2000 becomes partner in 2003. Both partners take active roles in the design process and are personally involved in all the projects that the firm produces.

For over 25 years, Reda Amalou and Stéphanie Ledoux have both played active roles in the company and are personally involved in the architectural design of all projects, from the scale of the architecture down to the furniture. AW² is present in Paris, Montpellier, Geneva, and in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

With projects in 40 different countries, the studio has accumulated a wealth of experience that is internationally recognised for the quality of the projects. Luxury hotels and high-end interiors now form a major part of their portfolio. AW² has also successfully completed other types of programme, such as schools, private residences, offices, facilities, and wine cellars in the Champagne region.

The studio has received several awards over the years including the Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award and King Salman Charter for Architecture and Urbanism Award for Banyan Tree AlUla, the FD100 Award for Six Senses Crans- Montana, nomination for MIPIM Best Hospitality Project for Banyan Tree AlUla, the MIPIM Best Hotel Award for the Six Senses Con Dao resort, the Build Architecture Award for Best International Architecture & Design Studio – Paris, and four nominations for the AFEX Grand Prize in French Overseas Architecture for Six Senses Con Dao in Vietnam, the Lycée Français in Amman, Jordan, Ani Sri Lanka & Art Academy in Sri Lanka and Kasiiya Papagayo eco-lodge in Costa Rica.

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Published on: November 6, 2024
Cite: "A collaboration between architecture and nature. Coucoo Cabanes des Grands Lacs by AW²" METALOCUS. Accessed
<https://www.metalocus.es/en/news/collaboration-between-architecture-and-nature-coucoo-cabanes-des-grands-lacs-aw2> ISSN 1139-6415
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