New state-of-the-art’ ski properties in the Alps

Flaine scheme marks a significant step in MGM’s commitment to sustainability and the reduction of energy consumption.

New ski apartments for sale in a residence de tourisme described by developer MGM as state-of-the-art in terms of sustainability and fuel economy’ are to be built at Flaine in Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps.

MGM has revealed plans for Le Centaure, a residence of 66 apartments, which will embrace the principles of HQE (Haute Qualit� Environmental), the international construction industry’s high environmental quality standard which aims to integrate the principles of sustainable development defined at the 1992 Earth Summit.

MGM regards its development at Flaine, designed by one of France’s leading architects, Christian Hauvette of Paris, as a significant step in its commitment to reduce energy consumption.

“This development is tipped to become a showcase of eco-friendly development and it will set the pace for future new developments by MGM,” says the company’s London-based sales consultant Richard Deans.

The MGM development of sunny south-facing apartments will be located at the heart of Flaine’s pedestrianised ski resort which was constructed in the ’sixties by Eric Boissonnas and Marcel Breuer in the Bauhaus style of modern architecture. It was hailed as an architectural jewel’ when it opened in 1968.

A feature is its open-air sculpture museum in which works on display – owned by the Pompidou Centre in Paris – include La T�te de Femme by Pablo Picasso.

Externally, the architectural style of the new residence Christian Hauvette has designed for MGM is modern to comply with strict local regulations. Features will include solar panels on the roof to pre-heat water and reinforced exterior insulation.

Le Centaure will comprise 66 apartments ranging in size from 27 sq metre studios to 75 sq metre three-bedroom duplexes. They include apartments specially adapted for use by disabled occupiers. Features of these apartments include larger floor areas in all rooms, especially the bathrooms and WCs which will have hand rails to assist.

The residence will incorporate an indoor pool and a spa and beauty centre will have a variety of massages and body treatments on offer.

When it opens for business at the end of 2011, Le Centaure will be just 50 metres from the cable car lift to Les Grandes-Plati�res which boasts panoramic views of Mont Blanc at the start of the Cascades blue run down to Sixt-Fer � Cheval. At 14 km, this is one of the longest ski runs in the world, forming part of the 265 km network of pistes within the Grand Massif ski area.

This computer-generated artist’s impression shows how Le Centaure at Flaine in the French Alps will look when it opens in 2011.

Flaine, a 75-minute drive from Geneva Airport, is popular both for the ski season – with additional activities like ice driving on offer – and the summer where mountain bike rides and walks start on the doorstep.

Off-plan prices of the properties at Le Centaure start at €159,000 for a studio, rising to €426,000 for a three-bedroom duplex apartment. The prices, which include parking, cellar storage and a ski locker, exclude VAT waived under the leaseback scheme.

For more information call 0207 4940706, email [email protected] or visit the website www.mgm-constructeur.com