Extension project of a house located in the residential area of the village of SIlvaplana, built on a steep slope with a magnificent view of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
The office was entrusted with the renovation and extension of a villa in Silvaplana, located in the heart of the Upper Engadine. This house, part of a 1960s-1970s commercial development, was situated on a steep slope with nearly a 100% gradient, offering stunning views of Silvaplana and Champfèr lakes, as well as the surrounding mountain landscape. Despite its exceptional location, the original building’s architecture and quality were underwhelming. The house’s obstructed views, due to high window sills and low lintels typical of horizontal striped windows, masked the beauty of its setting.
Our design approach sought to seamlessly integrate the extension with the existing structure, ensuring it appeared as though it had been envisioned from the start. By cladding the house in wood and adding a long balcony, we unified the old and new parts of the building. The only visible difference is the third single-pitched roof, a form rarely seen in the region. This second roof not only improves the building’s proportions, making it feel more compact and in harmony with the landscape, but it also preserves the integrity of the existing roof. The wooden façade, crafted as a contemporary interpretation of the traditional Strickbau technique, gives the building a distinct character, especially at the corners, where the cladding crosses like hand-drawn lines. In order to maximize sustainability, a couple of nearby larch trees that had to be felled for the construction, were milled locally and repurposed for
the façade and balcony.
Generous windows were introduced to frame the breathtaking mountain views from the living room, while a panoramic window on the side reveals Mount Margna and the village below. The space is flooded with afternoon light, enhancing the sense of connection to the landscape. The living area is thoughtfully articulated around an open fireplace, with the foyer serving as both a separator and a link between the dining and lounge spaces, creating a cohesive atmosphere.
This project harmonizes architecture with its environment, blending tradition with innovation, and embracing sustainability and craftsmanship.























