A layered history

Located on a rise above Sempach, the Bauernhaus Kirchbühl was renovated between 2017 and 2019 by Roman Hutter Architekten, with origins of the building dating back to 1652. The two residential units share a courtyard-like garden space overlooking an open meadow landscape. Throughout the process, the building’s layered history was carefully respected while securing its continued use as a dwelling.

Reviving the hearth

The previously concealed timber frame was uncovered, cleaned, and repaired. In a remarkable act of self-build, the owners removed deteriorating plaster, brushed the timber by hand, and re-pointed the joints with lime mortar, which will gradually darken and harmonize with the masonry. At the heart of the house, a new sandstone stove was built using traditional techniques, featuring a generous fire chamber that also functions as a bread oven and reinstates the stove as a social and spatial center.

A new spruce skin

Already prior to the renovation, the farmhouse was shingled on only three sides, allowing the north facade to develop an independent architectural expression. A newly crafted spruce timber lattice forms a protective Fichtenkleid, produced behind the facade scaffolding. This wooden framework subtly screens the large window openings that illuminate the double-height kitchen spaces, while variations in the spacing of the substructure articulate the transition toward the gable.

Traces uncovered

The removal of non-viable finishes revealed unexpected historical traces, including a floral wallpaper in vivid blue tones. While many original surfaces had been lost over time, selected elements were preserved, such as the beech parquet from 1912. During its careful removal, an inscription by the original parquet layer was discovered, adding another tangible layer to the building’s architectural narrative.

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