savioz fabrizzi architectes: house renovation in chamoson

‘house renovation in chamoson’ by savioz fabrizzi architectes, chamoson, switzerlandimage © thomas jantscher

originally erected in 1814 in the mountain town of chamoson, switzerland, the latest house renovation by swiss practice savioz fabrizzi architectes marks the last major structural modification on a dwelling that has evolved throughout the decades all the while holding onto its unique history. the thick stone masonry walls reflect the sturdy construction of the era, born of the same rock that famously defines the jagged backdrop. the deep stone envelope also provides a natural coat of insulation and thermal mass, shading the interior spaces in the summer with inset windows and benefiting from a large thermal mass in the winter.

the renovation preserves the soul of the residential edifice by leaving the exterior in as much of its original form as possible, replacing the deteriorating wooden planks that wrap the attic with a contemporary concrete shell that still matches the general color of the facade. the window wells also provide one of the first hints as to the updated interior, with thin cast frames that subtly provide structural support and match the contemporary needs of a smooth orthogonal language. new larger apertures are cut out of the walls with thermal glass placed flush against the outer facade to retain the memory of the replaced section. situated on a sloping site, the house is split into three levels, with an underpass signaling an original access way before the home was expanded to the third floor situated on the highest point of the property.

the interior tells an entirely different story, updated with soft pristine concrete partitions and surfaces that playfully contrast with areas of the exposed rugged historical walls. light reflects off of the semi-polished exposed finishes highlighting the decisive touches of orange fixtures that add a lively dynamic. the rooftop serves as a base for the 23 square-meters of solar panels that throughout the year generate 35% of the needed heating energy. the result nests the contemporary home within a sort of primordial vessel at the base of the breathtaking mountains, expressing an agreeable union between the character of the past and the function of the future.

original exterior with historical access way through the houseimage © thomas jantscher

a contemporary carport at the lower extreme of the site keeps the structure and vehicles hidden from the siteimage © thomas jantscher

view from the top of the carportimage © thomas jantscher

newly poured concrete continues the original roof line, also providing surfaces for solar panelsimage © thomas jantscher

(left) new large windows open views of the surrounding mountains(right) access way through the structureimage © thomas jantscher

the relationship between the new and oldimage © thomas jantscher

restored interior with appearances of orange fittingsimage © thomas jantscher

kitchen area and stairsimage © thomas jantscher

image © thomas jantscher

kitchen and entry into the living roomimage © thomas jantscher

living roomimage © thomas jantscher

newly opened window with glass along the outer envelope, original window with glass along the interior thresholdimage © thomas jantscher

studioimage © thomas jantscher

bedroomimage © thomas jantscher

bathroomimage © thomas jantscher

image © thomas jantscher

original structure before renovation

site plan

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level 1

floor plan / level 3

section

elevation

project info:

architect: savioz fabrizzi architectes, ch. st-hubert 2, ch-1950 sion, www.sf-ar.chworks management: savioz fabrizzi architectes, ch. st-hubert 2, ch-1950 sion, www.sf-ar.chcivil engineers: alpatec sa, rue du léman 6, ch-1920 martigny, www.alpatec-sa.chhvac engineer: tecnoservice sa, rte de l’ancienne pointe 16, ch-1920 martigny, www.tecnoservice.ch

site area: 318m2built area: 172m2gross area: 380m2building volume (sia 116): 1,130 m3total cost: not known