Kast Kaeppeli Architekten
Jurastrasse 58
best architects 21 in gold
single family homes
Place
Bern, Switzerland
Studio
Photos
Rolf Siegenthaler
Description
The
project shows the restoration and extension of a timber-framed house from 1877
in Bern which was guided by the conservation of historical buildings. Before
the renovation, the house and its three small two-room apartments were in a
poor state of repair. In the course of the refurbishment works and associated
energy optimisation, an extension allowed for the creation of two contemporary
family apartments. This annexe was fitted into the space between the rear of
the building and the retaining wall facing the slope and stretches into the
courtyard on the south side. The
design of the superimposed apartments means the restored covered steps that are
so typical of the region can continue to be used. The compartmentalised
structure of the original building was retained and houses the bed- and
bathrooms. The zoned open space in the extension contains the living areas and
is accessed via an opening in the former now interior timbered façade. Although the floor plan for the
ground and top floor are almost identical, the windows that look out onto the
slope and the shape of the annexe roof create different and unique spatial
references and moods. The
timbered house was carefully restored with attention to period details and
materials. The design of the new extension is discreet and gives the impression
of being an adjoining barn. The result is richly detailed architecture that
reacts with sensitivity to existing buildings and the topography and manages to
develop high quality residential accommodation from limited space.