Baite Belle Vue: Framing the Alpine Landscape

Located in Sauze d’Oulx, in Italy’s Susa Valley, the Baite Belle Vue residential development redefines the contemporary chalet typology by merging with the landscape, optimizing spatial quality, and maximizing energy efficiency. The project is a distinct, accessible, and sustainable micro-hamlet in the Piedmontese Alps designed for residential comfort and connection to the mountain landscape.

Designed by AB2ER Architetti, Baite Belle Vue comprises 17 residential units across three multi-unit chalet buildings and four detached chalets. The project focuses on contemporary issues, such as limiting its environmental footprint, optimizing functionality, and providing residential comfort. The design responds to the site, solar orientation, views, sustainability, and durability, while balancing vernacular tradition with contemporary elements.

Baite Belle Vue: Bridging past and present

Vernacular elements, including natural stone, timber, and pitched roofs, combine with contemporary details, such as expansive glazing, restrained lines, and clean geometries, to connect the project to the surrounding landscape.

The chalets are oriented to capture panoramic views while ensuring occupant privacy. The interiors incorporate advanced technical systems. Outside, pedestrian pathways, green spaces, and shared amenities foster resident interaction and connection to the landscape.

High-performance materials and systems

Designed to Passivhaus standards, the buildings use CLT structural elements for stability, strength, and sustainability. Thermally modified larch framing provides a durable roof structure that establishes a warm, natural tone.

The project’s A4 NZEB rating is the result of meticulous design, incorporating high-performance thermal insulation, thermal-bridge-free detailing, triple-glazed windows, and heat-recovery ventilation. Photovoltaic arrays on every unit offset the majority of energy consumption, eliminating the need for a gas utility connection.

Low-profile glass railings maximize views, mirroring the thermally modified larch windows whose concealed-sash design optimizes daylighting and connects the project to the Alpine landscape.

Redefining the Alpine retreat

To minimize visual impact and limit earthworks, the garage sits within the sloping hillside. Access roads are designed to minimize disruption to the landscape.

The three main chalet buildings sit atop the garage, where elevators serve each floor. A hallmark of the project is the direct connection between the garage and the four detached chalets. The chalets themselves cantilever over the lawn below, creating a striking visual profile while opening up to panoramic views of the mountain landscape.

Baite Belle Vue rappresenta un nuovo paradigma abitativo, che propone un esempio virtuoso di come l’architettura possa creare spazi abitativi che migliorano la qualità della vita.

>>> Discover also La Vetta residential building in Andermatt, Switzerland, designed by Slik Architekten with interiors by Park