[ Felber Szélpal Architekten ] Haus Szelpal

Architects: Felber Szélpal Architekten ag, Solothurn
Location: Solothurn, Switzerland
Contractor: Galli AG, Surface and Civil Construction
Structural Engineering: BSB+Partners, Engineers and Planners
Furniture: Theo Jakob AG, Berne
Project Year: 2006
Photographs: Bruno Helbling, Zurich

The narrow form of the property together with its descending topography has amazing architectural consequences on the house itself.

The result is an elongated cube with two floors on the basis of an S-shape in section. Because the plot is inclined lengthwise, the interior corresponds with the spaces outside on opposite ends of the building depending on the floor. The entrance on the ground floor is on a level with the site to the east front, whereas the garden can be reached to the west from the terrace above.

A marvelous view on the entire alpine panorama can be caught on the upper floor, a quality which brings in a hierarchy between above and below. Beside the entrance and the carport, the ground floor consists of other serving rooms like the office, the utility rooms and the cellar. All the main rooms for living are situated above, they are almost entirely oriented towards the view.

The monolithic concrete body has an elegant attitude, it appears clear and hard outside, while it is soft and warm inside. By its internal insulation, the construction can be adapted to changing needs of the family in a simple and economical manner also later on. The statics can easily be recognized outside, a long strip of a ribbon window relates the house to the panoramic view.

The building is inserted into the site without effecting much earthworks. Surrounding plants, flowers and trees create a powerful contrast between figure and nature.

from  archdaily