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Architects: Flavio Loretz
- Area: 230 m²
- Year: 2008
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Photographs:Nadine Andrey
Text description provided by the architects. In the western part of Graubünden 1450 meters above sea level, this 3-storey house is situated in the eastern edge of the village. It stands in the company of other single-family dwellings, with close proximity to a large railway viaduct.
The body of the building reacts to the topography of the land; turning like its neighbouring valley-sided houses to provide great views of the village and moun- tains. The construction offers a contemporary response to the traditional typo- logy of Surselva, where the lower doors are solid and differ to the upper doors.
in material and construction. A porous concrete volume forms the base, carving into to the terrain, whilst upper doors appears lighter and are lined with a rough textured plaster.The gabled roof overhangs slightly on all sides and offers itself as a simple detail, observing building culture from the local area.
A south-facing opening reveals a covered driveway and marks the main entrance to the house. On this ground level are the cellar, technical and laundry rooms. Light pours into this dim lobby hall from the opening above the stairs leading you to the first door where the kitchen, dining area with loggia and 3m high living space are arranged. Different openings that adjust themselves to its spatial situation and all the space with light and scenery.
The openness of the plan coupled with the different ceiling heights creates an exciting living landscape, which offers changing views to the countryside. The top door provides a retreat for the master bedroom with direct access to the master bathroom, the children’s bedroom with their own separate bathroom and to the office and utility room.
The house gives spatial generosity and functionality that affords the inhabitants a better quality of living.