Alors Studio

Little has been documented about Anem, a residential extension by Alors Studio in Maxilly-sur-Léman, Haute-Savoie. Despite its discreet presence online, this project offers a compelling study of materiality and spatial refinement. In this article, we attempt to analyze and shed light on its architectural qualities.

Nestled in a tranquil landscape, Anem emerges as a minimalist concrete addition that seamlessly integrates with an existing vernacular residence. Defined by raw materiality and geometric purity, the intervention is a study in restraint, where architecture enhances its surroundings rather than imposing upon them.



Alors Studio’s approach prioritizes clarity in form and function. The extension, composed of robust concrete volumes, establishes a strong yet understated presence, responding to the vernacular elements of the region with a contemporary sensibility.


Inside, the added concrete materiality comes back in the countertop of the kitchen. While a newly build cabinet is built in a materiality that echoes the window frames in the original authentic building, creating a visual and textural continuity between old and new. The dialogue between these materials reinforces the project's thoughtful approach to integrating contemporary interventions within a historic setting. 


By embedding the new volumes into the existing topography, Anem extends the living spaces with a quiet confidence, enhancing the house’s relationship to its landscape. The project stands as a testament to Alors Studio’s ability to craft spaces that are at once bold and harmonious, redefining the essence of contemporary residential extensions.

Below, the architectural plans and sections illustrate the spatial organization and design details that define Payz House. These drawings reveal the interplay between volumes, the thoughtful transitions between spaces, and the material relationships that ground the house in its environment.