© Alicja Dobrucka

Architects: Merki Schmid Architects

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Area: 350.0 sqm

Project Year: 2015

Photographs: Alicja Dobrucka

 

© Alicja Dobrucka

SituationThe Swiss town of Gelterkinden is situated among the gently rolling hills of the Upper Basel Biets, located between Sissach and Olten, which function as a local railway junction. There, the plot in question is situated southwards bordering the building zone from where one has a great vantage point toward the town and the valley. The area towards the West cannot be built upon and flows smoothly into the agricultural   countryside.

© Alicja Dobrucka
 VolumeThe volume, situated diagonally to the slope, is subdivided into three levels. The uphill facing entrance on the middle level enhances the solid visual anchor of the volume, while the passageway for the car effectively divides into the base. The middle floor is devised as a free-standing, glassed-in area. The more likely closed attic area with its circulating balustrade accommodates the top level.

Section

 Space allocation programmeThe layout of the rooms, too, follows the division into three levels. Located on the ground floor, looking out towards the valley, are two nurseries featuring a shower, a water closet, a separate entrance as well as an exi...