forest house Tgaplottas, Alveneu villagea purist in harmony with nature
A holiday home that is perfectly integrated into the existing larch forest uses its extraordinary location on the slope to become one with the surrounding nature.
The prominent southwest facing slope and the commanding, beautiful tree population on the property form the basis for the design. Both the arrangement of the floors and the rooms, as well as the orientation towards the mountain and the panorama are derived directly from this wonderful location, allowing for a seamless and delicate integration into the idyllic environment. The building, which is open on three sides, sits in a clearing high above Quartier Street, using the surrounding groups of trees to structure its interior and exterior spaces. While the load-bearing structure on the living room floor is open and simple, load-bearing elements on the bedroom floor are purposefully used to gently frame the interior.
«This topography and the orientation of the living spaces to the southwest create an incredible expanse, even though you find yourself in the middle of a larch forest.»
– Christoph Cavigelli
The choice of material for smooth exposed concrete reflects the tranquility and authenticity of this location. The simple, consistent and simultaneously diversified flirtation with the concrete corresponds to our fascination for this unique structure and the project itself, designed three-dimensionally in great detail. We developed and implemented the interior design in collaboration with René Hauser and selected furniture manufacturers.
living among the trees
The project was presented at the national construction fair "Swissbau 2012" as a reference building for the successful use of Archicad, and in recent years has been published as a top story several times in the international press for the industry.
publications
Living in the heart of a forest. The building fits seamlessly into the topography and its natural surroundings.
Panoramic view. The building is oriented to the south and offers a wide view of the Grisons Mountains as well as the characteristic plateau in front of Alvaneu village.
The interplay of wood and metal. The vertical arrangement and colouring of the metal facade follows the shape of the trunk of the larch, creating a seamless transition between inside and outside.
Purism. The supporting structure becomes the definitive design element and thus creates the majestic atmosphere in the middle of the larch forest. On the right side of the picture: the supporting structure as a banister and column foundation for the imposing flat roof.
Individually designed. In cooperation with Mobimex, three valuable pieces of furniture have been created that enhance the atmosphere on the living room floor.
Alluring. Zoom by Mobimex uses the location to show current creations in their best light.
| project information |
|---|
| project new detached house |
| construction start 2013 |
| construction end 2014 |
| scope architecture, construction management |
| project genre |
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| construction management Cavigelli dipl. Architekten ETH/SIA AG |
| Iinterior design Die Denkfabrik AG, René Hauser |
| master builder Centorame AG Bauunternehmung |
| heating and sanitary Vitali Haustechnik AG |
| electrical installations Elektro Putzi GmbH |
| painter Malerei Bossi u. Co. AG |
| locksmith Roman Platz |
| carpenter Schreinerei Marx AG |
| photos Bruno Helbling |
project manager
Christoph Cavigelli
architect
christoph@cavigelli.com
T 044 480 20 02