DAWN AT THE LAKESIDE
Zurich, Switzerland
Photo. Yuichi Kodai
A house that engages with the surrounding nature.
Nestled on the Gold Coast of Lake Zurich in Staefa, the site boasts a tranquil setting. Perched upon a gentle slope, the house offers sweeping views of the Zurich mountain range and the shimmering lake below.
This first impression aimed to establish a mindset upon arrival at the living space, intertwining the imaginary landscape painting with the actual surrounding landscape. The living room and kitchen serve as the platform of daily life, while other rooms become destinations. The design emphasises seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing the connection with the surrounding natural environment.
Photo. David Willen Studio
Architecture with a clear concept
Ecker & Ecker Architects (E2A) completed in 2016, and this house showcases their visionary design. The house has an exposed concrete structure that is strategically oriented to capture three key viewpoints - the lake and mountains on the first floor, the Swiss Alps and Town of Staefa on the second floor, and the property's groundscape on the ground floor.
The essence of this project was to formulate an understanding of the architect's spatial planning and design concept while ensuring a comfortable living environment. It was necessary to comprehend the spatial intentions and design clarity. The goal is to respect these readings and accommodate practical considerations for client preferences.
The outcome seamlessly integrates with its surroundings while offering modern comforts. It prioritizes functionality, comfort, and emotional resonance, which is evident in its use of building materials and finishes. The house fosters a profound sense of connection with nature and represents the marriage of visionary architecture with human-centric design principles, creating a space that is striking but also deeply enriching to inhabit.
Photo. Yuichi Kodai
Acoustic and Daylight comfort with clay wall
Our newly refurbished design intends to introduce the notion of natural light into the interior in a way we do not observe in contemporary homes. The master bedroom receives natural light in the late afternoon from below the house due to its high altitude and the undulating topography and landscape. The ceiling details are developed to capture such changing light levels, enabling the residents to sense the outdoor condition without observing the weather.
Ensuite Bedroom with a view and sky
Our newly refurbished design intends to introduce the notion of natural light into the interior in a way we do not observe in contemporary homes. The master bedroom receives natural light in the late afternoon from below the house due to its high altitude and the undulating topography and landscape. The ceiling details are developed to capture such changing light levels, enabling the residents to sense the outdoor condition without observing the weather.
Night & Day of Dining Space
The dining space is located at the heart of life in the residence, where the existing structure confirms the dining room as a niche. The wood wall and ceiling gently wrap the space with a warm and cosy ambience, yet intimate when alone or with a few people, like Fogher Room in Locanda Cipriani in Venice. A large table is at the centre of the space and typically serves six people, extendable to twelve people. The wood screen filters the dining space from corridor activities and delivers a lively scene. The dining seats are outward-looking during the day but reverse themselves inwards after sunset. The lighting in the corridor filtered by the screen becomes a large-scale lantern providing evening ambience to the table and people.
Photo. Yuichi Kodai
Garden with Acer
Our newly refurbished design intends to introduce the notion of natural light into the interior in a way we do not observe in contemporary homes. The master bedroom receives natural light in the late afternoon from below the house due to its high altitude and the undulating topography and landscape. The ceiling details are developed to capture such changing light levels, enabling the residents to sense the outdoor condition without observing the weather.
Type:
Renovation - Residence
Location:
Staefa, Zurich, Switzerland
Status:
2022- 2023
Data:
Site Area: 400㎡
Floor Area: 120㎡
Design Team:
Yuichi Kodai, Claudia Maggi, Laura Bruder
Carpenter: Stahl und Traumfabrik, www.stahlundtraumfabrik.ch
Electricity: Elektroman, www.elektroman.ch