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Architects: Allen + Crippa
- Year: 2023
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Photographs:Allen + Crippa - Charly Jolliet
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Manufacturers: GRAPHISOFT
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Lead Architects: Timothy Allen, Ronan Crippa
Text description provided by the architects. After a basement fire, the fire spread and destroyed large parts of the building. We considered the appropriate approach to dealing with the damaged structure. Instead of opting for a complete demolition, we chose a strategy of partial dismantling starting from the attic, followed by an extension. This allowed for the reuse of a significant portion of the building's structure shortened the construction time for the family, and preserved the garden that had evolved over the decades with its beautiful trees and plants.
A new timber frame structure on the upper floor rests on the exterior walls and spans the entire width of the house. This enables a new floor plan that functions independently of the existing load-bearing walls on the ground floor. The substantial timber beams become defining elements of the space and form a grid with nine rooms that are interconnected and delineated by large sliding doors. The existing spiral staircase is exposed and, thanks to the open floor plan, takes on a new significance.
An intensively green plant ring marks the transition between the existing ground floor and the new construction on the upper floor. It also serves as a canopy with structural sun protection for the ground floor and simultaneously promotes biodiversity. Another garden is located on the roof, where an elevated PV system allows for a green roof with abundant vegetation and a cooling effect for the house.
