Charlotte Perriand counter top for Les Arcs 2000 France 1973

This rare console bar top by Charlotte Perriand, crafted in the 1970s, is a striking design piece originating from the celebrated French ski resort, Les Arcs 2000. Initially conceived as a countertop for Les Arcs 2000, it embodies Perriand’s design ethos—an elegant balance of rustic charm and functional sophistication. The console features a solid pine slab, an impressive 6 cm thick, showcasing a beautiful wood grain with natural knots and a rich, vintage patina that captures the essence of its time. Its straightforward form, paired with a subtly skewed front, lends a sense of organic warmth and individuality to this piece and from a certain angle giving it a bent appearance.

The top is secured to the wall using an invisible metal support integrated within the shelf, custom-made to allow it to function seamlessly as a book shelf or console. Mounted flush against the wall, it creates a refined floating effect that enhances the top’s shape and presence. This versatile piece adapts easily to diverse interiors, serving as an ideal console or shelf. Provenance is from a residence within Les Arcs 2000, further cementing its unique place in Perriand’s legacy. This console remains in good, original condition and exemplifies Perriand’s enduring, functional design.

Literature:Charlotte Perriand: Jacques Barsac, Complete Works Volume Vol. 4: 1968-1999, page 345 for similar model.

Les Arcs, a landmark ski resort in the French Alps, took shape in the 1960s and 70s, with Charlotte Perriand as its leading designer and creative force. Renowned for her minimalist and practical aesthetic, Perriand brought a transformative vision to ski resort design, emphasizing sustainable materials, streamlined forms, and a harmonious relationship with the environment. She aimed to integrate architecture with the alpine landscape, creating modern, communal spaces that embraced the natural surroundings rather than overshadowing them.

The resort’s architecture is distinguished by open, flowing interiors, large windows, and a robust use of wood and metal—marrying modernist principles with a rustic sensibility. Les Arcs became a model of post-war French architectural innovation, embodying Perriand’s belief that good design should be accessible, livable, and ecologically mindful. Her visionary work at Les Arcs has had a lasting impact on mountain resort design globally, marking her as a significant figure in 20th-century modern design.