LOCALARCHITECTURE: cow shed, switzerland

lausanne-based practice LOCALARCHITECTURE has completed a contemporary cow shed in the hills of the jura, switzerland. commissioned by two swiss farmers, the free-stall barn explores and combines two farm typologies already present in the region to create a new architectural form that both respects and preserves the local landscape. the project came with a number of criteria. to be large enough for 30 cows, the shed had to fit within the budget allocated by the federal authorities as well as the standards governing organic production. placed near the existing farm, the design had to minimize work done to the earth.

all images © milo keller / courtesy of LOCALARCHITECTURE

the designing process consisted of looking at the local typologies which yielded two varieties of structure: one is characterized by a roof ridge set perpendicularly to the contour lines, resulting in facades that are open to the valley. the disadvantage of this model – any enlargement was problematic – led to the second model which ran the roof ridge parallel to the contour lines with side gables designed to facilitate extension. the new design combines aspects of these two systems which have led to a new form and identity for the small structure.

asymmetrical in its volume, the wooden shed gradually opens up to one side with a slow-rising angle of the roof. the slope of the shed mimics the characteristics of the site, establishing a balance with the surrounding landscape. fronted with a translucent sheathing, its irregular face is highlighted during the night when lit from inside. a mezzanine level provides storage space for hay.

site map

site plan

roof plan

floor plan

longitudinal section

cross section

short elevation

long elevation

sketch of structure

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