lionel ballmer architecte

Description

Nestled amidst orchards in the Swiss Canton of Valais, the old family barn has long been cherished. Initial plans were to convert it into a main residence, but the building’s limited size led to the search for an alternative: densifying the small existing plot by building a new house. This layout creates a private outdoor space between the two buildings, establishing a dialogue between them. Built on stilts, the house does not anchor itself but appears to float, creating an intriguing paradox: Is the new house an annex of the barn, or vice-versa, as logic would suggest? Externally, Swiss burnt wood cladding and recycled concrete echo the surrounding rural buildings. Inside, the house’s adaptable spaces are organised around a central core, offering panoramic views of the mountains and garden through large sliding glass doors. The three-level airspace fosters interaction among the inhabitants while introducing verticality, thus enhancing the sense of spatial openness despite the home's compact footprint imposed by the limited plot size. All the wood used in the house – cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels for walls, floors and roof, as well as larch windows – comes from local forests. Building a small-scale home while densifying the site and minimising soil sealing through stilts aligns with current environmental concerns. Features such as photovoltaic panels and a rainwater collection system further support sustainable living and ecological responsibility.