Bergspirale (Mountain Spiral) House in Weiach, Zurich
Inspired by the steep slow of its hillside location, the new building seamlessly integrates with the incline, while the interior echoes the surrounding peaks with a spiraling spatial landscape.
Access is at ground level on the hillside, leading to the entrance and garage.
From there, the living space becomes a continuous spiral path, offering various intermediate landings as it gently winds down over two stories, ultimately reaching the valley-side garden in front of the house.
Zoning is mainly achieved through the split-level floor heights rather than walls. This spatial design allows for adaptable use as the residents’ needs evolve, without the need to move a single partition wall.
Underlayments, impact insulation, floor coverings, and plastering work all are absent. The home is radically reduced to the raw concrete shell, saving resources through this minimalist approach.
Embracing the spirit of the times, the roof is entirely covered by a photovoltaic system that generates energy to power both the electric car and the house itself. Rainwater is directed over the building’s edge, mimicking a waterfall cascading down a mountainside, eliminating the need for downpipes. The exterior is clad in wood, harmonizing with the rural surroundings. The timber cladding acts as a soft skin, while the exposed concrete structure forms the home’s robust skeleton. This durable construction allows for an unconventionally flexible and sustainable living experience.
