Chalet Lauenen
Perched on a gentle slope, at the end of Switzerland’s Lauener Valley, and with spectacular views of the surrounding mountain peaks and green landscapes, lies a state-of-the-art chalet. The interior is strikingly luxurious, whereas the exterior is reminiscent of the protective architectural style of the traditional chalet. The choice of materials and the organisation make all the difference. The design won the ‘Schweizer Holzpreise 2003’.
Programme
Residence
Architect
T. Hildebrand, G. Cito, L. Grooteman
Team
Miriam Seiler, U. Kaspar, U. Degen
Year
1999 – 2003
Status
Completed
Location
Gstaad, Switzerland
Client
Private
Natural stone and wood
The ground floor is entirely constructed from double granite stone, while the upper floors are entirely made of wood. The granite chimney pierces through all layers of the chalet. The Laubengang, traditionally the shell beneath the overhanging roof, wraps around the living areas. It houses the entire circulation and serves as a buffer between the outdoor climate and the indoor spaces. The balconies, veranda, and storage areas are also part of this zone. This layout results in the most surprising spaces.
Kachelofen and Laubengang
All guest rooms, the steam room, and the ski storage are located on the serene ground floor. The wooden kitchen, library, and dining room make up the first floor, arranged around the central fireplace, as a nod to the traditional kachelofen. The top floor houses the master bedroom and children’s room, grounded and rustic, imbued with the scent of the wooden roof structure. The circulation spirals from the ground floor upwards to the top floor, connecting all the vistas. Ascending the stairs thus becomes an ever-renewed experience of the peaceful surroundings.
In collaboration with Philipp Brunnschweiler and Marcus Schmid.