Project Name
Villa Ensemble
Posted in
Residential
Location
CH-8700 Küsnacht ZH
Switzerland
Architect
Andreas Fuhrimann Gabrielle Hächler Architekten (AFGH)
Project Team
Carlo Fumarola, Andreas Fuhrimann, Gabrielle Hächler
Client
private
Completed
2014
More Info

Planner: Koster AG, pbp Elektroplanung, Henauer Gugler AG (Engineer)
Planning: 2012-2013
Construction period: 2012–2014
Project manager: Carlo Fumarola
Collaboration: Cedric Bär, Christine Bickel, Sandra Hofstetter

Detailed Information
Project NameVilla Ensemble Posted inResidentialLocation
CH-8700 Küsnacht ZH
Switzerland
ArchitectAndreas Fuhrimann Gabrielle Hächler Architekten (AFGH) Project TeamCarlo Fumarola, Andreas Fuhrimann, Gabrielle HächlerClientprivate
Completed2014More Info

Planner: Koster AG, pbp Elektroplanung, Henauer Gugler AG (Engineer)
Planning: 2012-2013
Construction period: 2012–2014
Project manager: Carlo Fumarola
Collaboration: Cedric Bär, Christine Bickel, Sandra Hofstetter

From the architecture studio of Andreas Fuhrimann and Gabrielle Hächler comes this pair of sculptural concrete houses overlooking Lake Zurich in Switzerland. Conceived as two polygonal boulders that visually complement each other, together the residences form the “Villa Ensemble” complex, and are connected via a shared underground vault which contains a parking space and fully-equipped wellness area. The project’s particular multifaceted design and unusual polygonal floor-plan came as a response to its surroundings: both volumes are aligned with the stunning surrounding views, including the lake to the south and the woods to the west. Interestingly, the houses don’t have a front and a back, but rather all their sides were treated as façades of equal importance; even the roof was designed not as just a roof but as a “fifth façade”, as the architects said, which faces upwards.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Temporarily fitted with ash-wood panels and windows, the two houses’ openings can be filled with any kind of material or glazing, adding a sense of tentative experimentation and flexible modularity to the whole project. The building’s bleak and rough exterior is contrasted with the luxurious interiors, which were finished mainly in white plaster and refined materials. The top floor of each house is occupied by the master bedroom, complete with walk-in wardrobe, bathroom and private terrace. The rest of the living spaces are arranged irregularly around a main circulation core, creating the sense of traversing a stylised alpine cave.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

The project’s most impressive feature however is the underground wellness area and its 15-meter marble-clad pool. Meant to be shared by the residents of the two houses, this spa area also boasts its own bathroom and showers, a sauna, a steam bath and room enough to set up large gym equipment and benches. Much like a faceted gem or a chunk of grey ice, the pool design further adds to the project’s cavernous scenography, all the while maintaining a direct connection to the outdoors through large openings that lead out onto the garden.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Photo by Valentin Jeck.

Villa Ensemble Near Zurich, Switzerland by AFGH Architects

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