Toggenburg’s rural landscape is dotted with farmhouses that once served agricultural purposes but now hold potential for modern living. This project reinterprets the traditional log construction, preserving its character while introducing thoughtful extensions. A local family embraces multigenerational living in a home that blends historic craftsmanship with contemporary needs. The design respects the area’s building culture, ensuring that the transformation remains sensitive to its surroundings.

The new extension introduces a spacious living area on the west side, designed as a timber volume that contrasts yet harmonizes with the existing structure. Large windows frame views of the Churfirsten mountains, while a cantilevered roof shelters an outdoor space overlooking the garden. Selective modifications to the original house—such as opening low ceilings to create double-height rooms—enhance spatial quality. Meanwhile, outdated 1970s fixtures are replaced with built-in wooden furniture, and a central stove efficiently heats both the old and new sections through an integrated system.

Sustainability is at the core of the project, with the extension built entirely from solid wood, using traditional joinery without glue. Salvaged materials from the original farmhouse are repurposed as interior paneling, minimizing waste. The result is an architecture that remains deeply connected to its agricultural and cultural heritage while embracing modern sustainability principles. As Toggenburg evolves, this farmhouse stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of regional craftsmanship and resource-conscious design.

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