House MW / Ralph Germann architectes


© Lionel Henriod

© Lionel Henriod

© Lionel Henriod

© Lionel Henriod

Text description provided by the architects. Ralph Germann architectes designed the house MW for a couple with one child who wanted a house with all main rooms overlooking the Lake Joux. The clients other wish was to build a modern house within a reasonable budget.


Ground Floor Plan

Ground Floor Plan

The architects used a prefabricated timber construction system for the facades and gables. These elements were built directly in the workshop, being later transported on-site. The “skeleton” of the house was made of concrete. The prefabricated wooden facades were then attached to the interior concrete structure. All facades of the house are made of a spruce structure which is filled with fiberglass insulation and then covered with spruce boards. Spruce trees are native to the area.


© Lionel Henriod

© Lionel Henriod

By using this building method the architects could keep costs down while reducing construction time and environmental impact.


© Lionel Henriod

© Lionel Henriod

Upper Floor Plan

Upper Floor Plan

© Lionel Henriod

© Lionel Henriod

Ralph Germann architectes also designed the indoor tables, shelves, and cabinets using birch veneer, and  the indoor and outdoor dining tables from solid larch.


© Lionel Henriod

© Lionel Henriod

Section B

Section B

© Lionel Henriod

© Lionel Henriod