Patrick Arotcharen Architecte has designed an eco-lodge in Saubion, France, called Les Echasses. Set in the heart of the Landes, the project is surrounded by tall pine trees and a carefully reshaped lake landscape. The architecture is designed to interact with its environment rather than dominate it, creating a stay that feels both private and deeply connected to nature. Each building, from the private villas to the restaurant, features a butterfly roof that gives the development a distinctive identity.
The restaurant acts as a central hub. Its generous overhanging roof shelters outdoor seating, creating a shaded terrace for dining. Inside, the space is just as welcoming, with a layout that can be easily adapted to host meetings or business events. It’s a flexible space that serves both leisure and professional needs.
Seven private villas sit on stilts above the water, each designed for two guests. Built in wood with subtly prismatic forms, they are carefully angled to open toward the lake while maintaining a sense of privacy.
The placement of dredged sand along the water’s edge has created small bays, allowing each villa to enjoy its own secluded setting.
By night, the villas glow like lanterns, their warm light reflected in the still water. The raised design allows the buildings to float visually above the landscape, reinforcing the seamless relationship between architecture and its surroundings.
Arriving guests are welcomed by a wood-clad entrance that blends the built environment with the surrounding forest. The materials emphasize simplicity and authenticity, in harmony with the wider landscape.
Each villa includes a private terrace, with features like a hanging chair for quiet relaxation. These outdoor spaces are designed to make the most of the tranquil setting, offering uninterrupted views of the water and dunes.
Inside, the interiors are kept minimal, allowing natural light and views of the lake to be the main focus. A wood-burning stove brings warmth during the winter months, making the villas comfortable year-round.
Over time, the site will grow even more lush as planted trees mature around the lake. Pathways meander through the dunes and pines, offering a variety of perspectives that weave together the natural and built elements into one continuous experience.
Les Echasses is an invitation to step into a carefully orchestrated dialogue between architecture and landscape, where nature takes the lead.
Photography by Vincent Monthiers and Mathieu Choiselat
