peter kunz architektur: garagenatelier in herdern

‘garagenatelier’ by peter kunz architektur, herdern, switzerland all images © peter kunz architektur all images courtesy peter kunz architektur

in the mountains of herdern, switzerland is ‘garagenatelier’, a parking structure by swiss practice peter kunz architektur. five concrete cubes are embedded into the landscape, partially revealing the solid enclosure by the sloping terrain. the structural material frames a glass pane offering outward views of the thur plain from the parked cars. a driveway leads visitors down the hillside to enter through one of the end units. a sliding glazing panel allows entry into the facility. within the surface of the glass, inscriptions by artist oliver kühn depict the relationship between automobile and man.

the five slots which are visible from the exterior project from the footprint of the unified interior which is capable of containing eight vehicles. natural daylight enters the cave-like space through the windows, brightening the dark cast concrete floor along with spaced tubular lamps. a concealed stairway leads individuals to the roof top of the structure and consequently back up to the level of the road.

glass fronted parking spaces are embedded into the landscape