I’m not a project manager…
… but when two of my friends who took over the management of a mountain refuge asked me to help them with their communication, I did not hesitate for a second. I'm thrilled to have been able to support them in their new ventures by developing their brand.
Introducing Refuge Le Nant Brun 2.0
Located at an altitude of 1 510 meters in a remote valley, the Refuge ‘Le Nant Brun’ was originally a mountain hut used by shepherds to keep an eye on their flock. After a thoughtful renovation, it became a mountain refuge in 2009. In 2023, Violaine and Amandine, two friends, took over the management of this cherished haven.
When thinking of a mountain refuge, it’s easy to think of simple bunk beds and minimal amenities (though, comfort becomes relative after a full day of hiking!) The Nant Brun redefines expectations, offering great comfort with furnished rooms, bathrooms and lounge without compromising on its genuine character.
As the refuge is located close to many hiking and mountain trails, the refuge welcomes overnight guests who range from seasoned hikers to novices. Clients are also families and groups of friends looking to spend a weekend away from the hustle of a city. The restaurant holds a special place, catering to both locals and tourists. The mountain restaurant part welcomes local people and tourists. It's not your typical eatery, as there's no fixed menu and daily specials vary based on the chef's creative whims. Violaine and Amandine are committed to providing heart-warming and delectable dishes crafted from local ingredients.
The two new managers understood from the beginning the importance of a brand identity and a strong communication strategy that resonates with the refuge's history and values.
The logo
Choosing a thistle as the central pattern of the logo was an easy decision, as the valley used to be filled with these. We can still find some today. Opting for this flower naturally led me to pick purple as the primary colour.
The decision to craft a logo with rounded contours was driven by the desire to align the brand with a warm, inviting, and cosy ambiance. The textured style serves to accentuate the mountainous backdrop and the brand's authenticity.
The typography
There are three fonts used for the Refuge Le Nant Brun:
- Active Regular by Adobe for the logo, with its hand-drawn aspect while remaining legible. This font also has a raw, unprocessed aesthetic which is in line with the mountainous essence.
- Caveat used for web and print titles. This font, which also has a handcrafted look, is easy to read and brings an authentic charm to the brand - simple yet impactful.
- Outfit for web and print paragraphs. Outfit was the perfect balance between modernity and simplicity, ensuring ease of reading. It also pairs seamlessly with Caveat.
The colour palette
I choose a deep shade of purple to increase the contrast with white and to add a touch of modernity into the brand. This also sets the brand apart from competitors (since most other refuges tend to rely on black and white for their logos). And as a bonus, purple happens to be the favourite colour of the managers.
The website
The business cards
The mountain refuge managers needed business cards to keep in touch with suppliers, journalists and local institutions. The design concept aimed to maintain a clean, straightforward aesthetic while preserving authenticity.
The flyer
French tourists visiting the Alps in the summer love getting information and insider tips from tourist offices. Consequently, it became essential to provide them with a printed resource introducing the refuge and all the services provided. The concept of a postcard was a way to add an extra touch of adventure and set the Nant Brun apart from the competition, while highlighting the brand's warm and friendly essence.
Let's talk!
Let's talk!
contact.alisonmainaz@gmail.com
+33 (0)6 59 00 55 07