deschenaux follonier's composition of timber and concrete overlooks 'la place'

embedded into the meadows of switzerland

deschenaux follonier presents its recently completed dwelling which overlooks the swiss hamlet ‘la place,’ in ayent, central valais. the project takes root in the traditional design language of its context, by reinterpreting the atmosphere and the materiality of its vernacular architecture. like the barn typology seen across the hamlet, the house stands in a meadow that had been so far left blank.

in this way, the design team seeks to free the project from all boundaries. the grass grows according to the seasons and the livestock can come and graze. the home is topped with an expansive covered terrace which maintains an element of privacy while offering a sweeping view across the landscape.

all images by rasmus norlander

deschenaux follonier reimagines the barns of la place

deschenaux follonier curates its house in ‘la place’ with a material palette that recalls that of the area’s traditional barn type. the house is expressed as a cold, mineral volume with an rhythmic, exposed wooden roof structure that opens outward from both gable ends. the roof of the house, shifted lengthwise and free from any middle supporting structure, seems to float delicately over the house, which poetically recalls its primary function which is to shelter a house.

deschenaux follonier continues to express the heritage of the local barns along each facade of its house in ‘la place.’ the design team curates the dwelling as a base, a main body, and a roof, these main elements exaggerated with the treatment of the concrete and the wooden framework. the half levels enrich this composition by hugging the topography and by connecting the different spaces. the resulting openings adapt precisely to the needs of the interior spaces.

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project info:

project title: house in ‘la place’

architecture: deschenaux follonier

location: ayent, central valais, switzerland

photography: rasmus norlander