Thank you Jacque Labro

Tribute to Jacques Labro, visionary pioneer of the architecture of Avoriaz.

History

In 1964, he received his first major commission as a young architect: the design of Avoriaz, alongside Jean-Marc Roques and Jean-Jacques Orzoni.

Architecture

Starting from a blank slate, Jacques Labro envisioned a unique, innovative resort integrated into the landscape. Each building is unique in its silhouette and volume, fitting into the curves and contours of the natural terrain, in an expressionist approach that enhances the surrounding landscape.

Emblematic figure

Le nom de Jacques Labro est attaché à la station de sports d’hiver d’Avoriaz qu’il conçoit au milieu des années soixante. Il est et restera une des figures emblématiques de la station.

Jacques Labro: A tribute to the man who shaped Avoriaz.

In 1961, Jacques Labro was awarded the Prix de Rome for a monastery project.

Shortly after, at the age of 26, he met Gérard Brémond, the real estate developer, who entrusted him with the creation of the Avoriaz ski resort in Haute-Savoie. Joined by Jean-Jacques Orzoni and Jean-Marc Roques – with whom he founded the Atelier d’Architecture d’Avoriaz (AAA) – he designed a new, ideal, and playful resort, starting from a blank slate: 209,000 square meters to be built, with the concept of a car-free resort initiated by Jean Vuarnet, the 1960 Olympic gold medalist in downhill skiing.

A unique human adventure.

The creation of a unique resort

Each building is unique in its silhouette and volume, fitting into the curves and contours of the natural landscape, in an expressionist approach that enhances the surrounding scenery. The master plan for the resort, drawn up in 1964, remains today the indelible marker that allows Avoriaz 1800 to reinvent itself with a consistency that shapes every new construction.

This « living architecture » that Jacques Labro placed within the movement of « organic architecture, » following in the footsteps of Frank Lloyd Wright and Alvar Aalto, goes against the existing models built at the same time, such as urban rigor or neo-rustic style.

The buildings are situated according to the terrain to take advantage of the views and sunlight, revealing the surrounding mountains: perched on the slopes, integrated into the mounds, or standing on the plateau, this alternation breaks up repetition, finding harmony between the natural environment and the architecture. The roof becomes a fifth facade that mirrors the movements of the landscape.

Avoriaz, an architectural landmark

A perfect example of modernism integrated into nature, the architecture of Avoriaz is labeled ‘Remarkable Contemporary Architecture.’

If Avoriaz looks unlike any other resort, it’s because Jacques Labro developed the concept of mimetic architecture there. An architecture that harmonizes with the surrounding nature to better blend in, while focusing on the use of sustainable materials. In short, everything we now expect from an eco-friendly construction. The architect thus revolutionized the way of building in the mountains, anticipating contemporary challenges.

The bold style of Jacques and his colleagues, recognizable among a thousand, made Avoriaz an architectural landmark, a work embodying the union between respect for nature and modernity.

Thank you for everything, Jacques, for your boldness and creativity. Avoriaz owes its soul to you!

At that time, we were given the freedom to invent a site. It was imagination that spoke!

Jacques Labro

Discover more about the history of Avoriaz and the work of Jacques Labro.

Organic architecture

The architecture mimics the surrounding landscape and blends into the environment, offering an example of the perfect marriage between modernity and nature. The resort's unique lines have officially made Avoriaz one of the great architectural achievements of the 20th century.

History

Avoriaz 1800, the wild gamble of 3 men who, at less than 30 years of age, defied every pre-conceived idea to create this unique and sustainable resort.

 

And now ? 

Although part of the third-generation resorts, designed from scratch, Avoriaz has managed to stand out. Highly sought-after, it capitalizes on its strengths: a unique architecture and a ski-in, ski-out concept across the entire resort, which attracts many tourists every year. Thanks to its ‘car-free’ principle, Avoriaz cannot expand infinitely, and this is undoubtedly its true strength. Rather than succumbing to urban sprawl, often associated with environmental damage, it prefers to densify itself.

It is undeniable that Avoriaz’s early commitment to ecology resonates today in the face of current environmental challenges. The resort did not wait for sustainable development to become a trend to focus on it. Today, it makes this a major asset to attract visitors. This is reflected in the many awards it has received, including its ‘Flocon Vert’ label, which places it alongside resorts like Megève, Les Arcs, and Chamrousse. This label guarantees a full commitment to ecological transition and a sustainable development policy. Proof that responsible tourism is possible in the mountains too.

Discover what Avoriaz looks like today through our virtual tour.

  • Avoriaz 1800

    Ski area and maps

    Avoriaz 1800 is right in the heart of Portes du Soleil, one of the largest crossborder ski areas in the world, where 12 French and Swiss resorts are linked together.