Galletti and Matter has superbly transformed a former barn with stables into a gorgeous residence in Switzerland that is primarily made of wood.  According to the designers, the use of local materials is the guarantor of continuity. The renovation takes the clear position to express the wood as a material to protect the new insulation standards imposed by the “altitude of the plain”.

Description from the Designers:

The old part in excellent condition, consisting of pieces of beautiful timbers 50 to 60 cm section is shown as such as testimony that it is possible to build solid wood without pretense. The new wood takes as reference dimensional height of the traditional plank barn, bottom section of the variation of which is done by asking, in staggered rows and alternating planks of solid wood 27 mm thick. As for the materialization of the roof stone, it is imposed by the Building Regulations. Attention was paid to the fineness of the eaves through cantilevered stone and paneling offset.

Inside all coatings are larch except the floor of the kitchen, bathroom and walls supporting the stairs are covered with small black slate standards. Only expresses a light installation in the expression of slightly offset joints. The slab between floors is laminated wood. No layer of sound insulation or screed or unnecessary layers of wear, even when a family lives two floors. This action pushes the building to its simplest expression, a roof over its inhabitants. The heating system consists of two soapstone with a traditional old and a new pellet.

Period: 2009 – 2011, 2 years
Costs: 606 ‘000 chf
Surfaces: larch wood

Photos by Lionel Henriod via europaconcorsi