Association Building, Communal Kitchen, and Storage Facilities
Situated at the base of the Madeleine Pass in the Maurienne Valley, the small commune of Notre-Dame du Cruet offers a scenic and historically rich backdrop for the proposed project. The site is located on the outskirts of a traditional Savoyard village and currently hosts two existing structures: an old oven once used for baking bread and a former milk storage facility, now repurposed as a hunting lodge. These buildings are scattered across the plot, lacking a clear connection or cohesive arrangement.
The goal of the project is to unify these structures and create a sense of place that serves both the practical and social needs of the community. The design will introduce three key elements: an association building, a communal kitchen, and modern storage facilities. Together, these spaces aim to strengthen local ties and provide essential infrastructure for village life.
The association building will serve as a central hub for local activities and events. It will provide a space for residents to gather, organize, and participate in cultural and social functions, reinforcing the sense of community that is so important in rural villages like Notre-Dame du Cruet. This facility will help foster collaboration and connectivity among the village’s diverse residents.
In addition, a communal kitchen will provide a shared space for cooking and dining, encouraging interaction and cooperation among villagers. The kitchen will also host workshops and cultural events centered around food, which is a key part of the region’s identity. This facility will help strengthen bonds between generations and create opportunities for cross-cultural exchange.
Finally, the addition of modern storage facilities will support the local agricultural and craft economy. These spaces will provide secure storage for tools, equipment, and locally produced goods, essential for sustaining rural livelihoods.
By reconnecting the existing structures and introducing these new elements, the project will create a small-scale urbanity that blends the old with the new. It will not only meet the immediate needs of the village but also contribute to a sustainable model for rural development, where community, culture, and history are preserved and enhanced.
Category:Mixed Use BuildingsLocation:Notre-Dame-du-Cruet, FranceArchitect: François Lis, FranceDesign Team: Clément Daneau, François LisPhotographer: Iris Rodet
