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Vuissens House/Deschenaux Architects
- area:
249 sqm
Year:
2022
manufacturer: Aibicher AG, Picander Woodworking, Portus Broad, papal building
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Chief Architect:
Paul DeVoe
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Text description provided by the architect. The project is located in Vuissens, a secluded village in the canton of Friborg that has maintained its rural charm. The goal was to build a single-family house near a standard villa. However, such projects are becoming increasingly rare in Switzerland due to limited building land and environmental concerns in land-use planning. The site itself represents the last available land in the area and is located directly in front of a mysterious forest. The challenge was to design a project that would complement the existing traditional villa, embrace the charm of the adjacent forest and maximize the potential of the project before it became obsolete.
The house is arranged longitudinally and has been thoughtfully positioned to escape the plot boundaries. It was drawn to the forest, which played an important role in shaping the scheme. Following the land’s natural gentle slope, the house gracefully extends towards the trees.
Upon arriving at the house, you are immediately struck by the solid concrete walls. At the same time, you discover the entrance, illuminated by a strip of light behind the dark garage. Inside, a small entrance hall leads to the visitor bathroom, stairs to the basement and stairs to the upper floor. Descending two steps leads to the kitchen, which blends neatly into the natural topography.
The main living room is expanded in height and width, drawing your attention to the enchanting forest through the full width patio doors. The room is immersed in greenery thanks to floor-to-ceiling glass windows, with thick vertical frames echoing the tree trunks in the background. The spatial journey culminates in a double-height loggia, offering privacy and openness while facing the enchanting forest. Your eyes are led down a path that leads to mysterious depths.
Walking upstairs you really get a sense of the length of the house, which is accentuated by the central wall running from north to south. A wide corridor opens to both sides, connecting one end of the house to the other. On the north side, the landscape is anchored by a concrete gable end, providing valuable privacy for the project’s second outdoor space – a spacious open-air balcony with wooden floors, perfect for enjoying the evening warmth retained by the concrete walls. On the other side of the corridor, the forest is revealed again through a large opening in the concrete wall.
The design language of the rural setting extends to the construction of the house. The area’s many rural buildings, such as brick warehouses and simple metal-clad chicken coops, influenced the project’s pragmatic approach. The plan is simple, using orthogonal structures and windows to optimize interior lighting needs. For example, the roof of the loggia became translucent panels, allowing more light into the main living room. The kitchen work surface is designed in stainless steel for enhanced functionality. The upper eccentric load-bearing walls lead to the eccentric roof, ensuring proper support.
The choice of materials is based on the pragmatism of rural construction. Concrete serves as the primary envelope, providing protection against weather conditions and long-lasting stability. It covers heated spaces and outdoor spaces. Cement bricks complete the envelope, defining the heated parts of the house and establishing a sense of unity between the interior and exterior. The execution of this project is very simple and has limited levels. Mineral insulation applied as a single layer is similar to building a brick wall and does not require a vapor barrier due to its moisture diffusing capabilities.
The ground floor uses sand concrete slabs as the floor, floor heating system layer and load-bearing structure. Upstairs, the clear distinction between the load-bearing elements and the wooden floors and ceilings is achieved through large hollow joints. Each detailed drawing has been crafted with care, seeking constructive truth and respecting the traditions of vernacular architecture.
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