Dietlikon, Zurich, Switzerland
Nimmrichter CDA Architects
Post By:Kitticoon Poopong
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| Photo © Courtesy of Bruno Helbling, Zurich |
In a Zurich municipality, better known for its industrial and shopping facilities, nimmrichter cda compiled a study dealing with the long term development of a plot of land with an existing building on site. A comprehensive survey of various factors revealed the plot’s development potential for the next generation. Competing against a modular house manufacturer, the unconventional design submitted by Rolf Nimmrichter’s architecture office was awarded the commission.
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| Photo © Courtesy of Bruno Helbling, Zurich |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Bruno Helbling, Zurich |
The parameters of the design were determined by the desire for autonomy of form and materiality, as well as the new building’s interaction with the house and pool already on the land. An existing pavilion, acting as pool and
summer house, was demolished and replaced by a new volume. The new building’s form is a response to its position on the site, and the angled façade reflects the client’s desire for living areas offering different degrees of openness or seclusion. The exterior is faced with horizontal, open-jointed cedar batten cladding, which further emphasises the geometry of the building.
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| Photo © Courtesy of Bruno Helbling, Zurich |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Bruno Helbling, Zurich |
The three-floor building’s overall volume is 1 000m³. Garage and necessary storage and utility rooms are located in the basement. The
open-plan ground floor comprises one large living, eating and cooking area, and there are three bedrooms and a recessed balcony on the upper floor.
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| Photo © Courtesy of Bruno Helbling, Zurich |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Bruno Helbling, Zurich |
The interior, also designed by nimmrichter cda, is defined by its core faced in chestnut wood, which encompasses the entrance hall, with cloakroom and externally-accessible guest toilet, and the staircase. The box delineates the eating-living area and contrasts with the dark, rough concrete floor and the black kitchen elements.
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| Photo © Courtesy of Bruno Helbling, Zurich |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Bruno Helbling, Zurich |
The building is Minergie® certified, a registered quality label for low-energy buildings. The energy concept includes making use of the neighbouring house’s existing heating system and using solar panels to heat water for both houses.
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| Photo © Courtesy of Bruno Helbling, Zurich |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Bruno Helbling, Zurich |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Bruno Helbling, Zurich |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Bruno Helbling, Zurich |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Bruno Helbling, Zurich |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Bruno Helbling, Zurich |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Bruno Helbling, Zurich |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Bruno Helbling, Zurich |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Bruno Helbling, Zurich |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Bruno Helbling, Zurich |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Bruno Helbling, Zurich |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Bruno Helbling, Zurich |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Bruno Helbling, Zurich |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Bruno Helbling, Zurich |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Bruno Helbling, Zurich |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Bruno Helbling, Zurich |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Bruno Helbling, Zurich |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Bruno Helbling, Zurich |
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| ground floor plan--drawing Courtesy of Nimmrichter CDA Architects |
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| basement floor plan--drawing Courtesy of Nimmrichter CDA Architects |
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| second floor plan--drawing Courtesy of Nimmrichter CDA Architects |
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| section--drawing Courtesy of Nimmrichter CDA Architects |
The people
Architects: nimmrichter cda, Architekten ETH SIA
Location: Dietlikon, Zurich, Switzerland
Project Team: Rolf Carl Nimmrichter, Dennis Clayton Matthiesen
Site management: Knecht Baumangement, Schlieren
Timber construction: Hector Egger, Langenthal
Interior: Teo Jakob Colombo, Zurich
Project Year: 2007-2008
Photographs: Bruno Helbling, Zurich
via:archdaily
