HHF architects conceives house C in switzerland as a prefabricated farmhouse

HHF architects has completed ‘house C’, a two-storey residence built for a family of five in ziefen — a village near basel, switzerland. the project was constructed on a relatively low budget, thanks to an intelligent use of prefabricated elements, and a contractor that specializes in such architecture. the design team describes the compact dwelling as a contemporary variation of a half-timbered farmhouse, partly insulated with an attached layer of unheated areas on two of its four sides. these spaces include a large porch, a loggia, a wardrobe, a boiler room, and storage facilities.

the building’s primary façade features tall retractable blinds
all images by tom bisig

HHF architects’ design is organized around a load-bearing concrete staircase that delineates the interior’s public and private areas. the ground floor includes a large entrance and a wardrobe in the non-insulated wrapping of the building. meanwhile, the core contains office space, the master bedroom, and primary living accommodation that opens onto a large porch alongside the garden. the upper storey features three smaller children’s bedrooms, as well as a bathroom and laundry area. a loggia is oriented in a westerly direction.

the design team used readily available materials such as wood and concrete

as the client wanted a custom home — rather than a prefab house from a catalogue — the design team used readily available materials such as wood and concrete. unlike many swiss dwellings, the property does not have a basement for economic reasons. as a means to ensure privacy, the building’s primary façade features tall blinds that can be retracted at the owner’s discretion. in order to keep operating costs to a minimum, photovoltaic panels have been integrated within the roof canopy.

prefabricated elements have been used throughout the home

the ground floor includes a large entrance and a wardrobe

primary living accommodation opens onto a porch alongside the garden

the retractable shades ensure privacy

the upstairs loggia is oriented in a westerly direction

photovoltaic panels have been integrated within the roof canopy

the property is located in ziefen, a village near the swiss city of basel

project info:

program: family house
location: ziefen, switzerland
design phase and construction: 2012–2014
client: private
team: herlach hartmann frommenwiler with markus leixner
general contractor: GGS AG holzbau
site area: 531 sqm
gross floor area: 205 sqm
building volume: 668 m3
photography: tom bisig

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