Jonschwil Villa
This remarkable villa will be built on the edge of a steep river valley in the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland. The living levels of the robust house offer two entirely different atmospheres: the lower floor is sheltered and partially embedded into the slope, while the upper living area offers light, air, and space. Construction will begin in 2025.
The client and architect have taken two years for the design and construction preparations. A high-quality, solid construction and weather-resistant finish, built to last for generations, were chosen. The sustainable villa will be built according to Swiss Minergie standards, with a high-quality, energy-efficient building envelope, ventilation with heat recovery, and solar panels integrated into the roof.
The layout of the lower floor is defined by two monolithic volumes, one of which will be built into the slope. This lower living area includes space for covered parking, a guest accommodation, and a wellness area. The walls will be made of local natural stone, blending seamlessly into the landscape.
Between the two volumes, the architects have positioned an open living space, spatially connected to both the entrance area at the front and the terrace at the back of the house. A continuous floor finish and large glass sliding doors enhance this spatial connection. The swimming pool, hidden beneath the terrace, can be accessed by lowering a section of the floor.
A round, wood-clad staircase leads from the stone-like lower floor to the airy, spacious upper floor. This living level is constructed with an open concrete structure that rests on the underlying landscape. The main living areas of the house are located on this floor. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the green surroundings from every room.
In contrast to the lower level, the upper floor features an open layout. In the center of the space stands a furniture-like multifunctional volume, around which one can walk along the large windows. In the sunniest corner, there is a covered balcony, offering the best view of the impressive river valley.
Location: Jonschwil, Switzerland
Date: 2022-2025
Status: Ongoing
Client: Private
Project team: Serge Schoemaker | Maiara Camilotti, Farimah Chaman Zadeh, Andrew Choptiany, Henrik Holte, Ottavia Profumo
