Located at 1,600 meters in the alpine resort of Auron, The Monkeys Cabana is a private luxury chalet designed by Joe Aoun, where contemporary alpine architecture is paired with a carefully curated interior drawn from early-20th-century references.
Architecture & Site Strategy
Built on the final plot of its development and surrounded by existing constructions, the chalet was conceived to elevate its main living spaces above visual constraints, opening views toward the Mercantour National Park, Isola 2000, and the Italian Alps.
A stone base grounds the lower levels, while Jura larch wood defines the upper floors, reducing perceived height and reinforcing a contemporary alpine identity.
Interior Curation & Heritage Pieces
The interior is conceived as a collected space rather than a decorated one. Early-era furniture and objects sourced from Paris and Beirut flea markets shape the identity of the chalet and introduce depth, history, and character.
Key elements include a restored Hermès boutique cabinet, vintage game tables, reworked armchairs, and a 1930s bar with a mirrored back, each selected for its authenticity and integration within the architecture. These pieces inform the interior palette, influencing accent tones, textures, and spatial rhythm throughout the chalet.
Materials & Atmosphere
Material continuity reinforces the dialogue between old and new. Reclaimed Belgian wood flooring was adapted to modern insulation and underfloor heating, while local stone extends from the exterior into staircases and interior walls. Tinted larch wood appears on ceilings, built-ins, and headboards, establishing a warm and cohesive alpine atmosphere.
A subtle monkey motif runs throughout the interiors, offering a narrative thread without overt repetition.
Living & Wellness Spaces
The main living level is organized for evening life after skiing, with open dining, kitchen, and lounge areas designed to encourage shared moments.
The top floor houses the master suite and a spa beneath the exposed roof structure, including sauna and jacuzzi, with roof windows and visual connections to the double-height living spaces below.
The Monkeys Cabana reflects JA Architecture’s approach to luxury interiors: architecture enriched by heritage pieces, material integrity, and a curated narrative that gives lasting value beyond form.
