Hertenstein House Weggis

The property in the municipality of Weggis lies on a slope and has a southerly downward grade. The new building is located on a sunken ridge in the terrain adjacent to the road. A spectacular natural panorama opens up from the property. Running parallel below the lot is the main arm of Lake Lucerne. The Alps shift in beyond reach, behind. Bürgenstock’s steeply sloping side, across the lake, is not buildable land. An internationally engaged artist couple wants to build a private house with an accessory apartment on the property. It should serve for retreat and personal regeneration.

A virtuoso composition is created by the superimposition and fusion of orthogonally set discs. An inner density results in a successive opening of stratified spatial areas, which search for connection with the environment. The basic volume is calculated by simply adding ashlar bodies offset in a variety of ways, resulting in differently structured spaces. Courtyard-like areas allow a further meandering of the facade development. The disc’s structure repeats the basic dynamic of shifting and superimposing into a compressed scale. Underlying the spatial organization is an orientation on various sides. Drawing from the exceptional view, additional external references are created. The courtyard areas as introverted, intimate spaces provide a charged contrast to the vastness of the natural area.

From the access road, the house appears as a mere flat rise over the topography, but then develops over two stories. Upon entry, a view of the lake and mountains opens up. The living area located below extends across the projecting terrace into the garden topography. The bedrooms and a studio are accommodated on the first floor. The ground floor with the common rooms and the guest area is located on the natural ridge in the terrain and is shifted backwards into the hillside. The longitudinal facade is oriented toward the lake, the opposite side toward the street-side courtyard.  The building is cast in light exposed concrete, which emphasizes the supporting structure in light and shadow. In the interior, cast, smooth surface materials continue the spatial homogeneity. The wooden frames of the large glazed areas expand the bright base colour with a warm, natural shade. The rooms can be opened up extensively via sliding doors to the terraces and courtyard.