urban villas on lake lucerne create hillside periscopes

urban villas on lake lucerne create hillside periscopes by lischer partner architekten

image © roger frei

all images courtesy of lischer partner architekten

four urban villas on lake lucerne enliven a sloped, hilly site while simultaneously framing picturesque waterfront views. the deeply angled volumes are swiss firm lischer partner architecken’s response to a complicated redevelopment of neoclassical townhouses. faced with imposing height restrictions, a historically protected site and urban fabric composed of  stylistically-specific buildings, the cool grey volumes act as periscopic devices for the viewership of the lake. the constraints of the site are positively exploited, with the overall mass functioning almost periscopically. the homes are built with sleek yellow jurassic limestone masonry, interrupted only by glazed, recessed apertures. the tectonic palette is steeped deeply in the history of the site; the sedimentary stone was formed in a lagoon 150 million years ago and used by the romans 2000 years ago. the material is quietly luxurious and underscores the optimal positioning of the lakefront architecture.

we are looking for simple answers to complex questions. after a thorough analysis of the place we always strive to produce a precise [formula] for the possible construction task. the… project is once more an attempt to draw a clear body, which fits in the context of the growing environment…

-architect david lischer

the low-lying homes respond to height-restrictions on the historically protected site without compromising views of the glimmering lake lucerne
image © roger frei

150 million year old limestone blocks make up the robust structure
image © roger frei

the exterior form makes for light-filled interiors
image © roger frei

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