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A sculptural concrete house nestled in a verdant neighborhood in Basel, Switzerland.
Stepping away from the gabled house archetype, this family duplex was designed by Caesar Zumthor Architects with an unconventional stepped pyramid silhouette. Nestled in a green neighborhood in Basel, Switzerland, the residence leaves a lasting impression on passers-by with its clean geometric lines, recessed and protruding planes, and light concrete walls. Carefully landscaped terraces surround the volume. Built on a sloping street, Oberwil House looks like a sculpture – ancient and contemporary at the same time – that rises from the hillside.
In the main living floor, the facade’s horizontal band surrounds the common spaces, creating a contrast between solidity and lightness. Open staircases connect the floors while inviting natural light deep into the center of the residence via a top skylight. The precisely designed structural framework creates a play between mass and openness throughout the duplex, from the lower level all the way to the attic at the top. The two units have symmetrical floor plans, but every living space optimizes the needs of the residents via thoughtful details.
The studio used a limited material palette for Oberwil House, favoring concrete for both the exterior and the interiors. Finished with a light hue, the concrete walls, ceilings and floors feature different textures, with some surfaces also subtly reflecting the light. Wood accents add warmth throughout the house. Designed with a consistent light palette and similar angular shapes, this residence is a great example of minimalist architecture that creates a serene ambience for its inhabitants. Photographs© Karina Castro.
