LOKOMOTIV.archs perches tiny triangular house on swiss hillside

a house shaped by its site

Sitting atop a sloping site in Claro, Switzerland, a small house is built by LOKOMOTIV.archs office LKMV with strong influence by the complex terrain. The building stands out with its distinctive structural character that seamlessly balances extroversion with the privacy required by its occupants. Situated on an irregularly shaped plot of land with a pronounced central depression and constrained by the geomorphology of the area, the building makes use of the topography and respects the area’s setback requirements, resulting in a spacious underground floor that blends harmoniously with the road and an elevated ‘night floor’ that exudes a sense of structural prominence in the overall design.
images © Giorgio Marafioti Photography | @giorgiomarafioti

the triangular home in claro

Responding to the client’s request for privacy and the need for a spacious carport, the initial concept by LOKOMOTIV.archs office LKMV centered around lightening the main floor and fortifying the upper floor — the entire building is suspended from the main beam wall. The resulting triangular shape optimized the structural system, with the cantilevered corner facilitating the distribution of forces. The blind wall acting as a bridge spans the two habitable floors and the semi-covered outdoor areas to stand as a unifying element.

the unique design by lokomotiv.archs

The triangular site, oriented in an east-west direction, is accessible from the east and is bordered by a public road along the southern edge. The residential area is defined mainly by familiar rustic dwellings, this contemporary architecture stands out with its unique presence. Spanning three levels, the new building rises prominently, its strong volume directly informed by the building regulations. The three levels are capped by a single sloping roof while a small southern canopy serves as an additional shelter for summer days.

The Swiss house by LOKOMOTIV.archs Office LKMV, demonstrates an innovative approach to geomorphological design, effectively integrating the natural topography of the site with the functional requirements of its occupants. The building features a distinctive triangular form, prominent structural elements, and careful consideration of privacy and extroversion. It is a noteworthy example of architecture that learns from its site while contrasting its natural surroundings.