Project Highlights
Client: Private owners
Commission: Direct
Living space: 215 m²
Volume (Swiss norm SIA 416): 1021 m3 + garage 106 m3
Completion: 01.08.2022
Civil engineer: suisseplan Ingenieure AG, Zurich
Lighting design: Lichtblick AG, Buchs
Building physics: Wichser Akustik & Bauphysik AG, Zurich
HVAC planning: Elsner Klima AG Adliswil
Photographer: Vito Stallone
Be Architektur, a renowned architectural firm, presents its exceptional residential Barn project situated in a Hamlet Zone within the picturesque Swiss countryside. This innovative home seamlessly integrates contemporary design elements while paying homage to the area’s rich historical context. With a focus on the architect and design concept, let’s explore the distinctive features that make this residence truly captivating.
Honoring Tradition with a Modern Twist
The residential Barn project by Be Architektur beautifully reimagines the characteristics of traditional barns in a modern context. From a distance, the house harmoniously blends into its rustic surroundings, thanks to its exterior façade clad in glazed spruce wood, mirroring the aesthetics of traditional Swiss barns. The pitched roof, adorned with locally typical tile roofing, further enhances the design’s authenticity. Behind wooden shutters, openable windows offer privacy and protection, while generous fixed glazing is complemented by wooden sliding doors. Additionally, a striking raw steel beam acts as a gutter, extending beyond the roof’s base, and rainwater cascades down the sides, mimicking a waterfall.
Integration with the Landscape
The architectural design thoughtfully responds to the site’s topography. Instead of conventional excavation and backfilling, the building’s ground floor is cleverly arranged on different levels to follow the existing slope. This approach ensures a seamless integration with the natural surroundings, enhancing the building’s connection to the land. The interior layout creatively adopts the storage concept of traditional barns by “stacking” closed volumes, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and closets, creating a sculptural effect. The negative spaces surrounding these stacks form open living areas, fostering vertical and horizontal connectivity, and a sense of expansive living.
Expressive Materials and Finishes
Be Architektur masterfully incorporates materials that honor the simplicity and unadorned nature of traditional barns while imparting a contemporary touch. Throughout the interior, exposed concrete slabs and a special plaster covering the walls evoke a raw and unfinished aesthetic. This intentional choice creates a visually captivating contrast and adds character to the living spaces. By utilizing concrete and plaster in various areas, the design achieves an expressive effect, amplifying the overall impact of the interior design.
Seamless Integration of Sustainability
The project’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the freestanding two-car garage, constructed with exposed concrete using the same timber formwork as the house facade. The garage’s gently sloping concrete gable roof features a photovoltaic system, with solar panels covering the surface like a carpet. This integration of renewable energy sources enhances the project’s energy efficiency and reduces its environmental impact. By seamlessly incorporating sustainable elements, Be Architektur not only creates a visually stunning residence but also establishes a responsible approach to architecture.
A Modern Interpretation of Vernacular Barn Architecture
Be Architektur’s residential Barn project engages in a thematic dialogue with the surrounding agricultural buildings, offering a unique interpretation of the vernacular barn typology. Through a careful blend of traditional design elements and contemporary aesthetics, this remarkable residence stands as a testament to architectural innovation, paying homage to its historical context while embracing modern living.
Conclusion
Be Architektur’s residential Barn project in the Swiss Hamlet Zone encapsulates the firm’s dedication to blending historical context with modern design. From its discreet integration with the rustic surroundings to the expressive materials and sustainable features, this residence sets a new benchmark for contemporary architectural excellence.
