Nearly 1 000 Sounds in a Melodic Journey in the Alps
High above Faverges-Seythenex, a remarkable timber pavilion invites you to play its structure. This interactive creation, nestled in the French Alps, transcends traditional architecture by transforming into a grand instrument. With the ability to produce close to a thousand unique tones, it captivates visitors seeking a harmonious alpestrine experience.
The Sound of Wood
Dubbed Le Bruit du Bois, or The Sound of Wood, this installation was designed by Antoine Aunave, Flora Peyrot, Mathilde Steenhaut, and Luc Loviton for the 2026 festival des Cabanes. The creation offers a distinctive auditory experience, blending tones from nearly 1 000 timber chimes with the natural sounds of the landscape.
Harmonious Design
A simple, four-centimeter timber batten forms the backbone of this pavilion. The battens flex subtly in response to wind, adding layers of sound and motion to the installation. Visitors navigate an elevated walkway surrounded by a multitude of suspended timber pieces, creating an immersive experience that offers glimpses of the majestic Alpine views through the gaps.
Explore another alpine innovation with Aalok Farmhouse: A Symphony of Nature, which harmonizes architecture and environment beautifully.
An Acoustic Marvel with Hundreds of Chimes
The pavilion seamlessly integrates with its environment, enhancing the soundscape of the Alps. As you move a wooden stick along its chimes, the structure becomes more than a visual spectacle—it turns into a living, breathing instrument, with the open valley serving as its concert hall. Countless individual notes can meet the whims of passing breezes and the touch of visitors.
Integrating Sound and Landscape
This innovative project aligns perfectly with the ethos of Le @festivaldescabanes, which celebrates temporary architectural interventions around Lake Annecy. With no need for complex machinery, Le Bruit du Bois demonstrates how timber and simple gestures can connect you deeply to your surroundings.
A Fusion of Art and Nature
The varying lengths of the timber pieces create different tones, inviting interaction that continuously redefines the pavilion’s sound profile. Even in your absence, the elements play the structure, driven by the alpine breezes. Myriad combinations of sound and motion are possible, endlessly merging art with nature.
Project Details
Name: Le Bruit du Bois / The Sound of Wood
Architects: Antoine Aunave, Flora Peyrot, Mathilde Steenhaut, Luc Loviton
Event: Le Festival des Cabanes
For more innovative architectural work, discover Sustainable Design Anchors Magdalen House, a remarkable project in Quebec.
Location: Les Combes de Seythenex, Faverges-Seythenex, France
Area: 15 square meters
Year: 2026
Photography: © Antoine Aunave
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the name of the timber installation in the Alps?
The installation is called Le Bruit du Bois, or The Sound of Wood.
Who designed The Sound of Wood pavilion?
The pavilion was designed by Antoine Aunave, Flora Peyrot, Mathilde Steenhaut, and Luc Loviton.
How does the timber pavilion produce sound?
The pavilion produces sound with nearly 1,000 timber chimes that flex in response to the wind and interact with visitors, turning it into a musical instrument.