andreas fuhrimann gabrielle hächler: single family house in zurich oberland

‘single family house in zurich oberland’ by andreas fuhrimann gabrielle hächler, zurich oberland, switzerland all images courtesy andreas fuhrimann gabrielle hächler image © valentin jeck

carved into a steep slope on the site of a former vineyard is the ‘single family house in zurich oberland’, a residence for a family and their two children designed by swiss practice andreas fuhrimann gabrielle hächler. to construct in the area, the topography was strategically terraced and interior rooms were arranged to generate a merged experience within the landscape with four outdoor patios at diverse elevations. the exterior is faced with large plates of varied sizes and embossed to produce a raw and more natural appearance.

side elevationimage © valentin jeck

the primary entrance leads inhabitants into an entry level containing the children’s bedrooms and cellar rooms placed further into the terrain. formed with internally insulated and exposed concrete, a central stairway leads to the first level living and dining areas, kitchen and master bedroom. the materiality and building method changes to prefabricated wood framing faced with a grain plywood. a clerestory window bordering an elevated terrace above the food preparation area introduces soft illumination from the north. on the eastern slope, the master bedroom unfolds to an outdoor area carved into the eastern slope. a skylight running along the roof ridge providing daylight to the lofted studio and guest room accessible by open-riser stairs. a steep roof pitch parallels the terrain and bends into a flat surface to accommodate local regulations to minimize a visual presence in the landscape.

approach to dwellingimage © valentin jeck