Historic context and inspiration

Surrounded by smaller rural structures such as a chicken coop, granary, and toilet house, the historic Chateau-Bois in Grolley exerts a strong architectural presence. These outbuildings, each resting on solid plinths, grow visually lighter as they rise, a principle that guided the design of the new single-family home.

Reinterpreted architectural language

The house adopts a similar composition, beginning with a massive plinth that reinterprets the traditional stone base of the region. This elevated foundation subtly raises the ground floor above the garden, with stairs encircling the building to connect it to its surroundings.

Materiality and structural balance

Above the plinth, a wooden upper floor introduces warmth and a lighter visual weight. The construction is crowned with a wide, overhanging roof, echoing the protective silhouettes of the region’s traditional farmhouses while maintaining a contemporary clarity.

Integration within a protected setting

Located in the heritage-rich village center of Grolley in Fribourg, the house respects its context while asserting its own identity. The design harmonizes with the historic ensemble, ensuring that new and old coexist in balance, with each enhancing the other’s presence.

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