ROOM + WILD NATURALS: Atelier LAVIT
Atelier LAVIT is a boundary-pushing architectural firm with a strong focus on sustainable design, founded by Marco Lavit in Paris. The studio has created a variety of landscape-enhanced projects from eco-lodges and custom product design to open-air installations. LAVIT is paving the way for cutting-edge eco-architecture that truly reflects and supports its natural environment.
We sat down with Marco to discuss his pivotal role in eco-architecture, his artistic inspirations and unique process.
“Eco-design can evolve only when we create for our true essential needs, without inventing anything new.”
Marco Lavit
What inspired you to go into eco-architecture and sustainable design, especially back when it was still rare? A project, another studio, a personal experience?
My childhood experiences in nature have inspired my creations today. I found energy and excitement in building hidden shelters in the forest, using what nature had to offer me.
GCP wood cabins Hotel: The 19 suites of the eco-lodge of the Grands Cépages are built along the lake of La Lionne, a fishing reserve in Avignon, France. Reflecting the untouched Mediterranean maquis, the suites’ unique placement is void of any disturbances to its lush surroundings.
How do you see environmentally conscious design evolving? With all of the ever growing technology and knowledge architects have available today, the sky is the limit.
Over time, we have moved away from living our life in the most sustainable way. Ironically, it is the way that makes the most sense. Technology is not always helping us in this ecological evolution - just think of electric bicycles. The bicycle was created to optimize the strength of our body and to transmit it to two wheels capable of covering long distances. Today, people use an electrically motorized bike to travel just a few kilometers in city centers. Eco-design can evolve only when we create for our true essential needs, without inventing anything new.
GCP wood cabins Hotel
Please tell us more about your future projects. Do you believe it’s possible to use your building model on a larger scale without compromising your process?
As long as the design responds to our essential needs and the building techniques are adapted for its local regions, we are heading in the right direction.
“Architecture is man’s intervention in nature. It is important to create in the most organic and respectful way; to be mindful of the landscape as much as the culture of the place; its traditions and the ancestral knowledge of the local population. ”
Room + Wild’s essence is becoming one with the elements in a space that truly allows it. What have you taken from nature itself to your building techniques? What role does landscape play in your inspiration?
Architecture is man's intervention in nature. It is important to create in the most organic and respectful way; to be mindful of the landscape as much as the culture of the place; its traditions and the ancestral knowledge of the local population. Architecture is, therefore, the technical and aesthetic result of the architect’s interpretation of all these aspects. The landscape plays a fundamental role in this process, as a stepping stone rich in history, nature, and culture.
ORIGIN tree house Hotel, Château de Raray: A cabin inspired by the bird’s nest and built with 100-year-old oaks in the Château de Raray forest in France. The treehouse becomes part of the landscape and offers an unparalleled experience of connecting with nature.
Wood is your signature material. What other raw materials are you interested in exploring in the future?
Wood has been the most sensible answer to the type of projects that my clients have commissioned me to date. Stone is a material that I love, with its incredible construction and thermal properties. I am currently working on a stone project that I find extremely interesting.
Atelier Lavit has paved the way for sustainable architecture. What other green initiatives are you currently involved with?
We are constantly working on eco-lodges and ecological houses in different countries. Our projects to date extend to France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Luxemburg, always maintaining a collaborative dynamic with local professionals.
What would be your ideal project? Where time, budget, and the laws of physics do not apply.
I am particularly attracted to the sea - to its serenity as well as its strength, to its vast horizons, and to its depth. Working with the sea would be incredible.
Name your favorite landscape hotel and destination.
Domaine de Murtoli in Corsica.
HUT reading nest, in collaboration with Ethimo. ‘‘Hut is a place for resting, pausing and meditation, for enjoying time spent in the open air.’
For more information on Atelier Lavit, visit atelier-lavit.com.
Room + Wild is the leading content platform for landscape-enhanced architecture, ecotourism, nature-based destinations, and sustainable travel experiences. We work with extraordinary retreats all over the world to inspire, influence, and spread awareness of landscape architecture, environmental initiatives, and earth mindfulness.