Credit: Toby Ryter | Image courtesy of Nachson Mimran
Credit: Toby Ryter | Image courtesy of Nachson Mimran

Blending the rich cultural heritage of Africa with the majestic alpine peaks of Switzerland, a global team of visionaries has come together to bridge continents for a bespoke chalet.

Pritzker Prize-winning architect Francis Kéré, Creative Director Nachson Mimran, Swiss architects Chaletbau Matti, and interior design firm Muza Lab, along with network of dozens artists and designers, poured their collective creative might into this private residence that transports you to the Motherland.

Caption: Interior featuring mural by Rashid Johnson; staircase, fireplace, and wood carvings by Francis Kéré; table by Alexander Lamont; and cushion textiles by Aïssa Dione.
Credit: Mark Williams | Image courtesy of Muza Lab Caption: Interior featuring mural by Rashid Johnson; staircase, fireplace, and wood carvings by Francis Kéré; table by Alexander Lamont; and cushion textiles by Aïssa Dione.

Each space brims with detail from large-scale murals to intricate wood carvings, culminating in a thoughtfully planned cultural design informed by Mimran’s upbringing.

“My childhood and early adolescence split between West Africa and Europe taught me to celebrate the exchange of culture and creativity,” Mimran says. “As an adult I developed a deep appreciation for interconnectedness, I actively seek opportunities to embrace our shared heritage. This private home symbolizes the harmony of interwoven craftsmanship and community, and was a dream project to orchestrate.”

Caption: Balcony overlooking the Swiss Alps with balustrade wood carvings designed by Francis Kéré
Credit: Mark Williams | Image courtesy of Muza Lab Caption: Balcony overlooking the Swiss Alps with balustrade wood carvings designed by Francis Kéré
Caption: Kitchen interior with walls made using rammed earth, hemp, and straw, featuring carved walnut cabinets designed by Chaletbau Matti and Francis Kéré, blinds by Aïssa Dione, and a stool by Madoda-Fani.
Credit: Mark Williams | Image courtesy of Muza Lab Caption: Kitchen interior with walls made using rammed earth, hemp, and straw, featuring carved walnut cabinets designed by Chaletbau Matti and Francis Kéré, blinds by Aïssa Dione, and a stool by Madoda-Fani.

Kéré, founder and principal at Kéré Architecture and the 2022 Pritzker Prize laureate, emphasizes the global perspectives that made this project possible. “In Gstaad we have designed a chalet, a family house,” he says. “But it is much more than that. It is a precedent, showing how excellence in architecture comes not from extravagance, but from collaboration and careful attention to craft and detail. Working alongside Nachson and the many architects, artists, and designers who contributed to this project has been a beautiful and meaningful journey. Together, we created a home that is unique, by using modest materials that make its spaces feel inviting and warm.”

Caption: Carport for the private residence featuring large-scale murals by Esther Mahlangu and Babylon Micro Farm (just visible).
Credit: Cecil Mathieu | Image courtesy of Nachson Mimran Caption: Carport for the private residence featuring large-scale murals by Esther Mahlangu and Babylon Micro Farm (just visible).
Caption: Interior of the residence features a liquid-metal fireplace designed by Francis Kéré and stools by Madoda Fani, a rocking chair by Cheick Diallo, silk dupion curtains and cushions by Aïssa Dione, and artwork by William Kentridge.
Credit: Mark Williams | Image courtesy of Muza Lab Caption: Interior of the residence features a liquid-metal fireplace designed by Francis Kéré and stools by Madoda Fani, a rocking chair by Cheick Diallo, silk dupion curtains and cushions by Aïssa Dione, and artwork by William Kentridge.

The residence is structured around four key themes—Regenerate, Think, Play, and Create—each shaping the purpose of its spaces:

• Regenerate: A sanctuary for rest and rejuvenation, blending ancient healing traditions with modern wellness technologies.

• Think: A contemplative space for study, reflection, and dialogue featuring a library designed to inspire critical thought and collaboration.

• Play: A lively hub celebrating diversity through music, design, and activism, fostering creative conversations and cultural exchange.

• Create: A dedicated space for global artists and designers to experiment, collaborate, and bring ideas to life.

Caption: Regenerate, the spa and indoor-outdoor swimming pool, featuring decorative ceiling by Francis Kéré and pool designed by Nachson Mimran.
Credit: Cecil Mathieu | Image courtesy of Nachson Mimran Caption: Regenerate, the spa and indoor-outdoor swimming pool, featuring decorative ceiling by Francis Kéré and pool designed by Nachson Mimran.
Caption: Play, the residence’s entertainment area designed by Studio Karhard, with bar, DJ booth, and bowling alley. Featuring mural by Victor Ekpuk and a “Nest” by Porky Hefer, in collaboration with Ousmane Mbaye, Doulsy, and Ali Mbaye.
Credit: Cecil Mathieu | Image courtesy of Nachson Mimran Caption: Play, the residence’s entertainment area designed by Studio Karhard, with bar, DJ booth, and bowling alley. Featuring mural by Victor Ekpuk and a “Nest” by Porky Hefer, in collaboration with Ousmane Mbaye, Doulsy, and Ali Mbaye.

Speaking its own language

Caption: Laser-carved door designed by Gottschalk+Ash Int’l
Credit: Mark Williams | Image courtesy of Muza Lab Caption: Laser-carved door designed by Gottschalk+Ash Int’l
Credit: Cecil Mathieu | Image courtesy of Nachson Mimran

Throughout the residence, carvings speak a unique visual language called Chushai (pronounced shoe-shy). It’s an amalgamation of ancient alphabets developed by Mimran in partnership with Swiss design studio Gottschalk+Ash Int’l. This fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern design reflects the residence’s deeper mission: to honor heritage while pushing creative boundaries.

Credits:

The artists, designers, architects and collaborators whose work has been integral in the development of the private residence include:

• Mattia Conconi: senior designer, partner, Gottschalk+Ash Int’l.

• Mehdi Dakhli: French-Tunisian creative consultant.

• Hervé Descottes: founder of lighting design firm, L’Observatoire International.

• Aïssa Dione: textile and furniture designer whose work promotes traditional techniques and sustainable practices.

• Alexandra Erhard and Thomas Karsten: founders of architecture and design practice, Studio Karhard.

• Manuel Herz: Basel-based architect.

• Inge Moore and Nathan Hutchins: founders of boutique interior design studio, Muza Lab.

• Sara Zewde: founder of landscape architectural firm Studio Zewde.

• Lani Adeoye: award-winning designer and the founder of Studio-Lani.

• Joël Andrianomearisoa: Malagasy-French artist and exhibitor at the first Madagascar pavilion at the 2019 Venice Biennale.

• Ini Archibong: Swiss-based designer who merges artisanship and contemporary design.

• Fayçal Baghriche: Paris-based interdisciplinary artist.

• Delphine Diallo: Brooklyn-based French and Senegalese visual artist and photographer.

• Doulsy: Senegalese fashion designer.

• Victor Ekpuk: Nigerian-American visual artist exploring cultural symbols and communication systems.

• Pierre-Christophe Gam: Conceptual designer and founder of Toguna World research lab.

• Porky Hefer: South African designer.

• Raphael Hefti: Swiss artist.

• Yinka Ilori MBE: British-Nigerian multi-disciplinary artist and designer.

• Rashid Johnson: Contemporary artist using a wide range of media to explore identity and culture.

• Romain Leroy: founder of Period • Paris.

• Dr Esther Mahlangu: Legendary South African artist whose work spans over seven decades.

• Arthur Mamou-Mani: French architect and designer.

• Nifemi Marcus-Bello: founder of industrial design practice, nmbello Studio

• Ali Mbaye: Furniture designer and maker

• Ousmane Mbaye: Senegalese designer who uses recycled materials and metal in his work.

• Balla Niang: Senegalese furniture designer.

• Bruno Ruganzu: artist and founder of Ecoart Uganda.

• SUPERFLEX: Founded by Rasmus Rosengren Nielsen, Jakob Fenger, and Bjørnstjerne Christiansen, the Danish art group is known for socially engaged art.

• Lina Iris Viktor: Liberian-British, Italy-based multidisciplinary artist known for her use of 24 carat gold and black as the materia prima.

• Billie Zangewa: Malawi-born, Johannesburg-based artist known for her textile-based narrative artworks.