Tormen Architects AG

House Bern

HOUSE BERN

Tormen Architekten AG

House Bern
© Mark Drotsky Architekturfotografie

ARCHITECT IN CHARGE
Reto Tormen

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Rennhard Gartenbau AG

MANUFACTURERS
Fundermax, Geberit, Duravit, Franke, Attika Feuer, Bekon Koralle, Erwin Baireder, Gemfloor, Gessi, Keller Spiegelschränke, Nimbus Group, Regent, TECE, Wesco

PHOTOGRAPHS
Mark Drotsky Architekturfotografie

AREA
1679.0 m2

YEAR
2019

LOCATION
Bern, Switzerland

CATEGORY
Houses

House Bern
© Mark Drotsky Architekturfotografie

Text description provided by architect.

This sculptural building with breathtaking views was built on an exclusive residential location in Kanton Bern.

The alignment of the parcel with a northern slope direction captures the wonderful panoramic view of the entire Jura mountain range.

House Bern
© Mark Drotsky Architekturfotografie
House Bern
© Mark Drotsky Architekturfotografie

With strict building regulations, the architects proposed a three-story project that was harmoniously integrated into the existing topography.

The existing terrain was reinterpreted, together with the landscape architect, to create a sequence of habitable platforms.

House Bern
© Mark Drotsky Architekturfotografie
House Bern
© Mark Drotsky Architekturfotografie

To access the house, one arrives by car into the spacious garage or as a pedestrian at the obscured entrance.

With the use of large panels on the facade in a soft earth tone, the building appears monolithic while blending into its surroundings.

House Bern
© Mark Drotsky Architekturfotografie
House Bern
© Mark Drotsky Architekturfotografie

The contrasting bare concrete walls accentuate the interventions made to the terrain.

Located on the entrance level are the several service areas with garage and storage rooms.

House Bern
© Mark Drotsky Architekturfotografie
House Bern
© Mark Drotsky Architekturfotografie

Also found here, adjacent to the generous entrance hall, is a private office.

On the ground floor, an open plan living area with kitchen and dining are separated by a sculptural staircase.

House Bern
© Mark Drotsky Architekturfotografie
House Bern
© Mark Drotsky Architekturfotografie

Large windows connect the interior visually with its surrounding.

The residential area deliberately faces away from the entrance. 

House Bern
© Mark Drotsky Architekturfotografie
House Bern
© Mark Drotsky Architekturfotografie

This creates a retreat against the interior of the parcel. This retreat houses the covered lounge area with direct access to the infinity pool.

Constructed from bare concrete it seemingly floats over the terrain and provides a unique perspective on the mountains in the distance.

House Bern
© Mark Drotsky Architekturfotografie
House Bern
© Mark Drotsky Architekturfotografie

On the top floor, a private retreat is created.

The master bedroom with a wellness area merges into an open plan layout providing the residents with a secluded space overlooking their surroundings.

House Bern
© Mark Drotsky Architekturfotografie
House Bern
© Mark Drotsky Architekturfotografie
House Bern
© Mark Drotsky Architekturfotografie


House Bern
East Facade
House Bern
West Facade
House Bern
South Facade
House Bern
North Facade


House Bern
Basement Plan
House Bern
Ground Floor Plan
House Bern
First Floor Plan
House Bern
Situation Plan


House Bern
Section A
House Bern
Section B

Tormen Architects AG
T +41 32 6220284 F +41 32 6220285
Tormen Architects AG
Gibelinstrasse 10, 4500 Solothurn, Switzerland