CHALET AFRICAIN CHANDELIER: A LUMINESCENT TRIBUTE TO CRAFTSMANSHIP

Mamou-Mani Architects were commissioned by visionary entrepreneur Nachson Mimran to design a bespoke chandelier for his private residence in Switzerland. Fabricated by our sister company Fab.Pub, the result is a striking centrepiece composed of 11 intricately 3D-printed modules: a combination of teardrop, hourglass, and diffuser elements.

Suspended above the island countertop in the chalet’s living room, the chandelier is more than a functional lighting fixture; it is a sculptural statement. The integrated LEDs cast a soft, even glow, wrapping the space in a warm, ambient light that enhances the apartment’s refined, intimate atmosphere.

What makes this piece especially distinctive is its use of Mamou-Mani’s first open structural patterns. These are diamond-like geometries that pinch together to form a light yet strong shell, representing an ongoing design investigation into 3D-printed structural textures that blend aesthetics with performance.

Beyond materiality, the design plays with the contrast between the two module types, the hourglass and teardrop, blending organic curves and structured forms in perfect harmony. Colours were carefully selected to complement the chalet’s neutral, sophisticated interior palette, ensuring that the chandelier both stands out as a statement piece and integrates seamlessly into its surroundings. The bespoke nature of the design reflects the chalet’s high-end, luxurious atmosphere while also bringing a touch of cultural depth and modern craftsmanship to the space.

The Chalet Africain chandelier was conceived as a fusion of contemporary design and advanced digital fabrication, tailored to the refined interiors of The Alpina Gstaad. The 11-piece composition, made up of teardrop, hourglass, and diffuser modules, forms a sculptural and balanced arrangement that brings warmth and elegance to the living space. Integrated LEDs are seamlessly embedded within the teardrop elements, casting a soft, even glow that enhances the ambience while highlighting the chandelier’s intricate structure.

Each module features Mamou-Mani’s first use of open structural patterns, diamond-like geometries that pinch together to create a lightweight yet durable shell. This design approach is part of the studio’s ongoing research into 3D-printed structural textures, merging aesthetic detail with functional performance. Made from PLA bioplastic, the chandelier embodies a commitment to sustainability and precision, offering a poetic expression of form, light, and material in perfect harmony with its surroundings.