Material Beauty: 7 Raw Concrete Homes in the Swiss Mountains

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A growing number of robust homes are being constructed in Switzerland’s mountainous terrain. Clad in concrete, each project consists of a clear-cut geometric volume that carefully pulls from the natural colors of the surrounding landscape’s forests and rock formations. In the Swiss climate and environment, it is no surprise that concrete homes are increasingly prevalent; despite the cool tones that the material affords, walled concrete is a strategic and powerful form of heat insulation. In addition, the versatile qualities of the material mean that it can be used to produce a diverse combination of elements including façades, staircases and other external landscaping.

Beyond materiality, these projects use orientation and placement to achieve outstanding results. Like a sturdy rock set down on steeply sloping terrain, each home emerges from the earth with impressive grace, offering vantage points that stand unrivaled. Bridging the gap between nature, city and suburb, the architects featured in this collection use plateaus, valleys and other rich land plots in order to host unique vista-like residential environments. Finally, by using elements such as recessed windows, they allow for privacy and serenity against the vast open landscape.

métrailler house, sierre by savioz fabrizzi architectes, Switzerland

Elevated against a cliff, this home is visually prominent among the surrounding vineyard stocks of Sierre. The design directly responds to and attempts to minimize its impact on the surrounding mineral-rich environment. Additionally, themonolithic concrete form opens up to stunning viewpoints across the Rhône Valley, the Pfyn Forest and the Anniviers Valley.

Two Single-Occupancy Detached Houses by L3P Architekten, Wingert, Switzerland

Despite the small size of this parcel of land, two single-occupancy houses have been developed on this compact countryside plot. Clad in concrete, the cool exterior of the building fuses with its more illuminated interior, which is marked by elaborate skylights and accents of warmly toned galvanized steel.

chalet, val d’hérens by savioz fabrizzi architectes, Mase, Switzerland

With breathtaking views of the Swiss alps, this house is located on a natural plateau at the top of a sloping plot. In reference to barns commonly found throughout Mase, the concrete structure is covered with wood cladding on the upper levels. At the ground floor, the exposed concrete base is deliberately distorted, forming a large terrace shaded by an overhang.

Haus Erlenbach by Spillmann Echsle Architekten, Erlenbach, Switzerland

According to Spillman Echsle Architekten, Haus Erlenbach is unique while also melding perfectly into its surrounding neighborhood. The house is identifiable based on two characteristics: its entirely concrete façade and its enviable location at the top of the Zurich lake community in Erlenbach.

Two in One House by clavienrossier architects, Geneva, Switzerland

Located at the edge of a residential zone and flanked by forest to its south and fields to its west, Two in One House exists on the border between the city and nature. Even though the program includes two apartments of differing sizes, the building’s distinct geometry and concrete envelope create the illusion of continuity and fluidity.

House in S.Abbondio by wespi de meuron romeo architects, Locarno, Switzerland

Located on a steep slope, this project was designed to house two adults and their guests. Concrete in the same color as nearby natural rock was cautiously selected in order to integrate the building into its heterogeneous landscape. The house also offers expansive views of Lake Maggiore and its surrounding mountain ranges.

Fabrizzi House by savioz fabrizzi architectes, Conthey, Switzerland

Fabrizzi House was compactly designed in order to take strongest advantage of views that its plot could afford. Unified and visually continuous, the building is constructed entirely of exposed reinforced concrete. Finally, the double-wall façade creates an efficient form of heating insulation.

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