rounded openings and programmed 3D relief punctuate wooden home extension in zurich

interactive openings punctuate ‘house with an eye’

Studio Anna Jach’s House with an Eye in Zurich is an extension and renovation project that centers around sustainable and efficient construction. Commissioned with a clear brief from the clients, a small family, the Swiss architectural practice has extended the home’s entryway, created additional leisure facilities for both residents and guests, and integrated a vast library to house a collection of over 500 books. With eco-consciousness as its driving force, the expansion seamlessly integrates innovative construction, locally sourced materials, and energy-efficient solutions.

The project’s most notable feature is its interactive pine wood facade punctuated with rounded openings that can be left uncovered during the day to infuse the home with natural light, and concealed with movable shutters for shade. The building’s rear facade is further brought to life with the integration of digital art with a programmed 3D shadow relief. CNC-wave-cut vertical planks cast a dynamic shadow of an open eye in the morning and a closed eye in the afternoon, creating an illusion that interacts with its surroundings.

rounded openings punctuate the extension | all images courtesy of Studio Anna Jach

studio anna jach employs energy-efficient solutions

With a total added area of 55 square meters, Studio Anna Jach’s extension of House with an Eye comprises a spacious entry area, a yoga and meditation room, a children’s bedroom, a two-story library complete with a children’s swing, and a rooftop terrace. The interior surfaces are clad with wooden panels, left exposed and untreated without additional rendering to promote natural humidity exchange, regulate an optimal room climate, and infuse the refreshing scent of pine wood. Avoiding artificial chemical treatments, the surfaces are protected with natural flax oil combined with 5% of white mineral paint to prevent ageing with time.

Addressing challenges posed by the location of the home on a narrow yet highly-frequented street with limited parking, the architects sought to reduce construction time. Combined with a focus on minimizing the project’s carbon footprint, local contractors, wood, and insulation materials were utilized to reduce transportation distances. Further, the excavation earth was repurposed as a rammed earth bench in the garden, while solar panels on the rooftop combined with a heat pump efficiently provide electrical energy and hot water. With an insulation thickness of 26cm and a total wall thickness of 40cm, heating costs are also reduced by 50%.

CNC-wave-cut vertical planks cast a dynamic shadow of an open eye relief

efficient construction methods minimize its carbon footprint

Studio Anna Jach’s construction method employed prefabricated, insulated pine wood panels, mounted together on-site by a small team of four using a mobile crane. In a sandwich-like configuration, the exterior features vertical wood planks applied as a protective finish with groove and tongue connections, reducing the need for excessive screws and bolts. The wall panels were precisely fabricated using modern CNC-cut technology at a facility located 37 km away from the construction site. 

a double height space infused with light

Studio Anna Jach integrates a vast library to house a collection of over 500 books

a children’s swing spans the height of the room

window detail

the yoga room creates a serene space to unwind

staircase to the attic integrated with shelves

eastern facade with closed shutters

project info:

name: House with an Eye
architecture: Studio Anna Jach

location: Zurich, Switzerland

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom