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.
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!
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.