Embedded in the landscape

Positioned at nearly 1,000 meters above sea level, Haus Lärchenwiese extends southwest along the gentle incline of the terrain. The project began with a partial demolition of the original 1960s structure, leaving a distinctive topographic incision in the site. New construction was added where it best enhanced the experience of the surroundings. This sensitive approach allowed the building to follow the land’s contours and create a cohesive dialogue between past and present.

A spatial bridge between eras

Organized across two floors, the spatial layout separates public and private areas with care. A robinia tree, set between the original structure and the extension, anchors the ground floor and filters the interior with its changing blossoms. Living and working spaces open linearly to the garden, while a hand-crafted tiled stove from the Tyrolean Oberland forms the warm heart of the house. The arrangement creates a sequence of interconnected rooms that link the old and new, offering both openness and seclusion where needed.

Redefining Alpine identity

The exterior challenges common clichés of Alpine architecture. Instead of nostalgic motifs, a clean-lined timber form clad in locally sourced larch boards asserts a modern identity. These untreated boards weather naturally, turning from deep red to silvery grey, creating a façade that reflects the passage of time and place. This evolving patina echoes the name of the location—Lärchenwiese, or “larch meadow”—and underlines a deep connection to its setting without relying on pastiche.

Crafted continuity and contrast

Though contemporary in form, the building’s material expression is rooted in local tradition. Interior features, such as the stove and wooden finishes, speak to regional craftsmanship, while the spatial configuration offers a thoughtful response to both landscape and neighboring buildings. The result is a house that respectfully continues its site’s story, balancing continuity with architectural clarity.

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