Revamping L’Apogée Courchevel: A Fusion of Californian Flair and Alpine Aesthetics
Perched high in the French Alps, where the snow seamlessly merges with the skyline, Kelly Wearstler has masterfully redefined the dining areas of L’Apogée Courchevel. Her design blends Californian style with Alpine elements, creating spaces that are both grand and intimate. Officially part of the Beefbar collection since December 2025, this redesign spans five unique areas, each tailored to evoke different moods and styles, making it Wearstler’s inaugural hospitality venture in Europe set against a legendary backdrop.
Wearstler has coined the term “Alpine Brutalism” to describe this venture, which skillfully balances the robust lines of New Brutalism with softer touches of texture and craftsmanship, infused with a relaxed Californian vibe. Historically, Brutalism has been more than just an architectural style; it’s a bold, straightforward approach to modernist design. Wearstler’s interpretation brings a warm, elegant twist to this philosophy, using natural materials like dark stones, rich textiles, and tactile woods.
Channeling the essence of California Cool, which typically features neutral colors, organic materials, and a seamless connection with the landscape, Wearstler elevates these elements into the alpine setting. The décor features earthy greens, deep charcoal, warm ochres, and touches of garnet red, creating a grounding effect. The use of brushed alpine woods and stones quarried locally enhances the connection between the interior spaces and the dramatic external alpine peaks, making the interiors feel like a natural extension of the outside world.
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The Piano Lounge: A Symphony of Design and Texture
The Piano Lounge sets the stage with a blend of architectural strength and soulful design. Visitors are greeted by a bespoke sculptural staircase featuring brutalist-inspired balustrades, leading down into a double-height area lined with textured pine. This treatment not only enhances the room’s acoustics but also its tactile appeal. At the heart of this space, a custom Edelweiss piano, modified in collaboration with its British manufacturer, anchors the room—offering both a focal point and a nod to the lounge’s deep musical and historical roots.
Central Bar and Dining Areas: Luxurious Yet Relaxed
Moving on to the Central Bar, the atmosphere shifts towards relaxed luxury. Here, vintage pine chairs and a bespoke chandelier designed by Nathalie Ziegler, featuring blown glass elements, echo natural forms and add a touch of organic luxury. The Salon, with its mirrored ceilings and low banquettes, exudes an aura of sophisticated late-night charm, with ambient lighting that plays off the snowy vistas seen through expansive windows. The East and West Dining Rooms introduce the Beefbar concept in complementary styles, each featuring warm wood tones and window banquettes that beautifully frame the dramatic mountain views.
Importantly, the inviting warmth of these spaces is by design, not chance. Despite Brutalism’s reputation for starkness, Wearstler highlights its potential for warmth and comfort, blending bold architectural forms with carefully chosen vintage furnishings and commissioned art pieces, sourced internationally. This creates a sense of spaces that are curated rather than merely designed, offering immersive experiences rather than static visuals.
Given the constraints of Courchevel’s seasonal ski calendar, the project required rapid coordination and intensive collaboration with artisans to refine wood treatments, perfect finishes, and prototype design elements to match Wearstler’s vision. This collaborative effort underscores her philosophy that every project is a collective endeavor involving multiple disciplines and crafts.
“We’re continuing to partner with the best in class––from companies to collaborations––for all our projects, and I love it,” Wearstler explains. “I enjoy the process of expansion and creation of beautiful spaces through engaging collaborations that allow us to tell fascinating stories.”
Though California Cool originated along the Pacific and New Brutalism in post-war Britain, at L’Apogée, these styles merge to forge a new design language of ‘Alpine Brutalism’—a testament to raw elegance elevated by the mountainous context.
Photography courtesy of Matthieu Salvaing.
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