Located at 1,600 meters in the alpine resort of Auron in the French Alps, The Monkeys Cabana is a private luxury chalet in Auron designed by Joe Aoun. Its contemporary alpine architecture is paired with a carefully curated interior inspired by early 20th-century references.
Architecture & Site Strategy
Built on the final plot of its development and surrounded by existing constructions, the chalet elevates 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 20th-century 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. This playful presence gives the chalet its name, “The Monkeys Cabana,” introducing a light and unexpected identity within an otherwise refined alpine setting.
In the pool area, this narrative becomes more expressive through a large-scale mural created by two Lebanese artists. Extending from the walls to the ceiling, the artwork reinterprets the monkey theme with a bold, contemporary gesture, adding depth and contrast to the otherwise restrained material palette.
Living & Wellness Spaces
The main living level is designed around evening life after skiing. Dining, kitchen, and lounge areas are open and connected, encouraging shared moments.
The entry level introduces a more functional sequence, integrating ski storage, changing areas, and an indoor pool. Designed for direct return from the slopes, this level combines practicality with a strong architectural presence, shaped by material continuity and controlled lighting.
The top floor is dedicated to the master suite and a spa set beneath the exposed roof structure. A sauna and jacuzzi are integrated into this level, with roof windows and visual connections to the double-height living space below.
The Monkeys Cabana reflects JA Architecture’s approach to luxury interiors: a balance of heritage pieces, material integrity, and a curated narrative that extends beyond architecture.
The curves and circles of the floor finishes and curved shapes of the ceiling are repeated in the staircase and interior decoration, where the primary colors form an evident contrast with the black and white exterior.
This intriguing and visually pleasing game of offset between these two volumes gives this villa its unique, striking architectural character.
