This home is designed for a family of four. Its irregular exterior shape is determined by the plot’s boundaries and the distances between them. Within this irregular form, a clear rectangular volume defines a warm indoor living area. Nestled between the valley and mountainside, an internal courtyard is positioned in front of the living space.
The polygonal shape of the building, combined with the terrain, gives it the appearance of an ancient rock formation. This effect is enhanced by the rough concrete surface, which darkens over time due to weathering. Climbing plants adorn the facade alongside small square openings, reinforcing the building’s rocky resemblance.
Facing a quiet private street, the building presents a cautious, single-story, enclosed facade. The only access from the street is through a steel door leading into the entrance courtyard. A three-meter-wide front yard connects the house to the street, featuring traditional natural stone paving and trees that enhance the space.
Set on one side of the valley, the house is designed as a larger, terraced volume spanning three floors. The upper level houses the entrance, living room, and dining area with an open kitchen. The facades on both sides are fully enclosed, while the front and rear sides are glazed, overlooking the courtyards facing uphill and downhill.
The hillside entrance courtyard shields the residence from the street view while ensuring optimal lighting and direct sunlight in the living areas. The enclosed walls of the lakeside courtyard reflect sunlight indoors. A sturdy external staircase on a thick wall leads to a small rooftop terrace, offering expansive views of the lake landscape.
The living and dining areas with an open kitchen open out to green inner courtyards on both the hillside and valley sides. This layout enhances natural lighting from above, creating a dynamic atmosphere with constantly changing light throughout the day.
On the middle floor, four bedrooms and a bathroom are arranged. The internal courtyard extending toward the valley serves as a dining area on this level. The lower level contains utility spaces, storage, technical rooms, as well as a secondary entrance and garden exit.
Project Drawings
△ Base schematic diagram
△ First floor plan
△ Second floor plan
△ Roof plan
△ Elevation drawing
△ Elevation drawing
△ Elevation drawing
△ Elevation drawing
△ Section diagram
Project Information
Architect: Wespi de Meuron Romeo Architects
Area: 180 m²
Project Year: 2021
Photographer: Giacomo Albo, architect/photographer
Lead Architects: Luca Romeo, Markus Wespi, Jérôme de Meuron
Location: Gambarogno, Switzerland
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up