‘the garden shelf’ by dreier frenzel architecture in geneva, switzerland all images courtesy dreier frenzel architecture

‘the garden shelf’ by lausanne-based firm dreier frenzel architecture is a summer pavilion for a family in geneva, switzerland. composed of three, distinct volumes arranged in an offset manner, the small concrete structure directs its focal point to the immediate site – the garden – rather than the more distant view from the slope which it resides on.

dreier frenzel architecture: the garden shelf in context

hugging the natural topography of the plot, the design scales down the garden in a terraced fashion. the individual boxes vary in size and host appropriate programs inside: the smallest form holds storage while the larger ‘rooms’ accommodate a kitchen and a spacious seating area. the interior is connected for the inhabitants to step up or down between functions. when not in use, a system of wooden shutters that run along the open faces enable the shelter to be enclosed.

dreier frenzel architecture: the garden shelf view into the kitchen and dining modules

dreier frenzel architecture: the garden shelf interior

dreier frenzel architecture: the garden shelf with shutters shut

dreier frenzel architecture: the garden shelf approach

dreier frenzel architecture: the garden shelf (left) cantilevered base (right) detail of shutter

dreier frenzel architecture: the garden shelf in use at night

dreier frenzel architecture: the garden shelf site plan

dreier frenzel architecture: the garden shelf plan

dreier frenzel architecture: the garden shelf longitudinal section

dreier frenzel architecture: the garden shelf front elevation

dreier frenzel architecture: the garden shelf back elevation

dreier frenzel architecture: the garden shelf cross section

dreier frenzel architecture: the garden shelf side elevation

dreier frenzel architecture: the garden shelf side elevation