Villa Vals, Switzerland, by Bjarne Mastenbroek and Christian Mueller

The design of Villa Vals is by Bjarne Mastenbroek of SeARCH from the Netherlands and Christian Müller of CMA in Switzerland. Their design plan was to completely integrate the villa into the landscape to avoid disturbing the unspoiled nature. That is why access to the villa is only possible via the nearby wooden Graubünder shed, through an underground tunnel which runs straight through the mountainside. The architects thought that it should be possible to conceal a house in an Alpine slope while still exploiting the wonderful views and allowing light to enter the building.

Surprised that it was permissible to construct a pair of dwellings so close to the world famous thermal bath of Vals, the client seized the opportunity to develop the site, without disturbing the bath’s expansive views. The introduction of a central patio into the steep incline creates a large façade with considerable potential for window openings. The viewing angle from the building is slightly inclined, giving an even more dramatic view of the strikingly beautiful mountains on the opposite side of the narrow valley.

The local authority’s well intentioned caution, that un-usual modern proposals were generally not favoured, proved unfounded. The planners were pleased that the proposal did not appear ‘residential’ or impose on the adjacent bath building. The scheme was not perceived as a typical structure but rather an example of pragmatic unobtrusive development in a sensitive location. The placing of the entrance via an old Graubünder barn and an underground tunnel further convinced them that the concept, while slightly absurd, could still be permitted.

Switzerland’s planning laws dictate that it is only possible to grant a definitive planning permission after a timber model of the building’s volume has first been constructed on site. This can then be accurately appraised by the local community and objected to if considered unsuitable. For this proposal, logic prevailed and this part of the process was deemed to be unnecessary. The façade of the house is slightly slanted, adding to the view of the mountain scenery across the valley opposite of the house.

The house, which was completed in 2009, was built and furnished in cooperation with a large number of Dutch designers and companies that produce Dutch design. Their willful designs fit well in the spacious, industrial architecture of the villa. Pieces and objects of, amongst others, Hella Jongerius, Demakersvan, Scholten & Baijings, Marcel Wanders, Claudy Jongstra, Royal Tichelaar Makkum and Vitra Nederland were used. The spacious interior is an eclectic, but balanced mix of contemporary Dutch Design. A unique combination of architecture, interior and styling.

Project credits

architect SeARCH and CMA

design Bjarne Mastenbroek and Christian Müller

assistants SeARCH Louis Toebosch, Ton Gilissen, Laura Álvarez Rodríguez, Alexandra Schmitz w/ Michal Palej, Daniel Abraha, Markus Wesselmann

assistants CMA Blazej Kazmierski, David Strebicki

photography Iwan Baan

Credit : 2Modern