house at Mittlerberg, Unterlunkhofennature embracing
Modernity

We adapted this pioneering project – with its steel frame and the infill of sand-lime brick by the architect Pierre Zölly – for the builders and current owners by using small and system-relevant changes to meet the everyday requirements of a living space. The main architectural objective was not only to preserve the original form language, but also to anchor this structure, which hardly touches the ground, into the picturesque, wooded terrain above the stream.  
 

Due to the successful cooperation in another new construction project, we qualified for this delicate and personal project and are delighted that the teamwork was also very rewarding here. The ideas for the conversion and extension were checked via a thorough survey and the transfer of the object into a 3D model. Our team spent evening meetings continuously developing the ideas and planning until everything was ready to begin construction.

– Christoph Cavigelli

The end result is satisfying thanks to the accompanying renovation of all windows as well as the new access area with an enlarged car park, the enlarged bathroom facing the pine trees, and with the formation of a new platform towards the stream; and through the extension and reorganisation of the living and dining area with the new kitchen and the centrally located fireplace. Due to minor adjustments to the technical installations, all visible pipes were able to be removed from the living room, which makes the almost sacral-aesthetic of the room with the fireplace in the middle now look clean and volumetrically clear.

The transition between the existing building and the extension is seamless, and the homogeneous spatial effect is based on an equally well-founded and meticulous handling of existing structure, clear form, pure material, and specifically applied colour. The interior is minimalist – raw materials and white, smooth walls are carefully filled with evocative pictures and matching frames. Classic Swiss design is ever-present and underlines the owner's lifelong connection to good design, beautiful architecture, and the joy of living.

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