In Veyrier-du-Lac, this contemporary villa by Groupe Dunoyer appears to glide effortlessly between the trees and the shimmering reflections of the lakeshore. Beneath its clean lines of zinc and glass, a series of terraces create successive thresholds opening onto the lake. Guiding us through this architecture designed in close harmony with its surroundings, Robert Dunoyer reveals the story of a home where every line responds to the ever-changing character of the water.
Facing a constantly shifting horizon, the site still carries the memory of a former residential development conceived in the 1960s for senior executives of SNR, a historic industrial company in the Annecy region. The original house—little more than an abandoned cabin—had reached the end of its life. “We chose to start entirely from scratch while preserving this privileged relationship with the lake and the unique atmosphere that defines the shores of Annecy,” explains Robert Dunoyer.
The project emerged from a holistic vision in which architecture, structure, and landscape coexist as one. Rather than imposing itself on the terrain, the villa embraces the existing topography. Its volumes extend gently across the site, naturally following the contours of the land. To fully understand this approach, one must look back to the construction system developed by Robert Dunoyer in 1985, which remains the foundation of Axe&D’s architectural identity: a laminated timber post-and-beam structure conceived as an open framework capable of spanning large distances and dissolving the boundaries between interior and exterior.
“It is a timber structure shaped by a joiner’s vision,” Robert Dunoyer summarizes. Here, expansive glazed openings define the architectural rhythm while framing broad perspectives, allowing the eye to move freely from one space to another.
This sense of horizontality continues through the material palette. Originally designed with a green roof, the project evolved due to planning regulations requiring a low-pitched metal roof. Rather than viewing this as a constraint, Axe&D transformed it into a defining architectural principle through the use of quartz zinc.
“Since we were required to retain a low-pitched metal roof in keeping with the spirit of the existing house, we decided to turn it into a genuine architectural thread,” explains Robert Dunoyer.
Why zinc? The answer lies in a commitment to durability. Zinc is a natural, maintenance-free material that will endure for centuries. Roofs and vertical façades are therefore wrapped in the same skin of softly matte tones, subtly changing throughout the day as light conditions evolve. In contrast, the lower volumes adopt a different texture through lime-rendered finishes.
“We always try to follow a clear design line and avoid multiplying materials unnecessarily,” he adds.
Inside, the atmosphere shifts toward a warmer register—almost nautical in its relationship with materials and reflections. A single wood species unifies the entire interior: Amazonian mahogany. From the flooring and doors to the bespoke joinery, including the custom kitchen crafted in the Groupe Dunoyer workshops, its rich reddish-orange hues create a continuous and welcoming presence.
“It’s a wood that requires a certain boldness today. We see greyed oak everywhere. We wanted something more distinctive, with a real presence,” says Robert Dunoyer.
The eye moves effortlessly through the spaces, guided by this uninterrupted timber language that naturally shapes perspectives. Mahogany interacts beautifully with light and with many different materials. In this lakeside home, it also subtly evokes a nautical character that we wanted to capture.
The interior design, curated by Annick Dunoyer, orchestrates the volumes with restraint, never disrupting the harmonious dialogue established between wood, zinc, and the surrounding landscape. Carefully selected pieces contribute to the atmosphere of the home, including a deep-toned Baxter sofa, Vibia pendant lights above the bespoke dining table, and seating inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Nothing seeks immediate decorative effect. Instead, everything contributes to a sense of balance between contemporary comfort and the relaxed spirit of a lakeside retreat.
This design philosophy extends even into the most technical spaces. Bathrooms by Antoniolupi replace traditional tiling with seamless surfaces of velvety polished concrete.
“We wanted neither tiles nor visual interruptions,” notes Robert Dunoyer.
The mineral tones softly absorb changing daylight, reinforcing the enveloping atmosphere that characterizes the entire house.
A strong focus on lifestyle and well-being further defines the property. A fitness room, sauna, massage room, home cinema, and pétanque court all support the vision of a residence designed for year-round living. Even the heated plunge pool, equipped with a counter-current swimming system and concealed beneath an insulated sliding cover, reflects this philosophy of understated comfort.
Facing Lake Annecy and the slopes of the Semnoz, the villa ultimately embraces a different form of luxury—quieter, more enduring, and deeply connected to its environment.
