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Five houses arranged in a staggered layout that follows the topography of a triangular plot in Villarsel-le-Gibloux, Switzerland.
Inspired by the local architecture of Villarsel-le-Gibloux, Switzerland, and by the distinctive topography of a triangular, sloping site, Fribourg-based architecture practice Noue Studio designed five connected houses with a staggered layout and overlapping pitched roofs. The precise composition softens the built form, allowing the contemporary volumes to look at home among more traditional dwellings. The villas follow the angle of the land, featuring entrances on the east side and access to gardens on the west side.
The five villas have three stories each, but two typologies. The two volumes on the sides boast 4.5 rooms, while the three house in the center have 3.5 rooms. At the center of each villa, a flat roof accommodates level changes, indicating a zone that houses the circulation areas and the bathrooms. A covered garage marks the entrance; on the opposite side, the main living spaces open to gardens on the ground level. The upper floors house the bedrooms which provide access to unobstructed views of the surroundings.
Chosen for their thermal performance and durability as well as their connection to vernacular architecture, the materials and finishes include solid insulating brick, lime plaster, and anhydrite. Made with a higher clay content, the concrete base has a lower carbon footprint. Inside, the studio used wood for the ceilings on the ground floor; above, the bedrooms also feature light wood walls and floors that create a warm and tranquil atmosphere. Photography© Willem Pab.
