Haus Szelpal

Haus Szelpal
© Bruno Helbling

HAUS SZELPAL

Felber Szélpal Architekten

LOCATION
Solothurn, Switzerland

YEAR
2006

CATEGORY
Houses

PHOTOGRAPHS
Bruno Helbling

Text description provided by architect.

The narrow form of the property together with its descending topography has amazing architectural consequences on the house itself.

Haus Szelpal
© Bruno Helbling
Haus Szelpal
© Bruno Helbling
Haus Szelpal
© Bruno Helbling

The result is an elongated cube with two floors on the basis of an S-shape in section.

Because the plot is inclined lengthwise, the interior corresponds with the spaces outside on opposite ends of the building depending on the floor.

Haus Szelpal
© Bruno Helbling
Haus Szelpal
© Bruno Helbling

The entrance on the ground floor is on a level with the site to the east front, whereas the garden can be reached to the west from the terrace above.

A marvelous view on the entire alpine panorama can be caught on the upper floor, a quality which brings in a hierarchy between above and below.

Haus Szelpal
© Bruno Helbling
Haus Szelpal
© Bruno Helbling

Beside the entrance and the carport, the ground floor consists of other serving rooms like the office, the utility rooms and the cellar.All the main rooms for living are situated above, they are almost entirely oriented towards the view.

The monolithic concrete body has an elegant attitude, it appears clear and hard outside, while it is soft and warm inside.

Haus Szelpal
© Bruno Helbling
Haus Szelpal
© Bruno Helbling

By its internal insulation, the construction can be adapted to changing needs of the family in a simple and economical manner also later on.

The statics can easily be recognized outside, a long strip of a ribbon window relates the house to the panoramic view.

Haus Szelpal
© Bruno Helbling
Haus Szelpal
© Bruno Helbling
Haus Szelpal
© Bruno Helbling

The building is inserted into the site without effecting much earthworks. Surrounding plants, flowers and trees create a powerful contrast between figure and nature.


Haus Szelpal
© Bruno Helbling
Haus Szelpal
© Bruno Helbling
Haus Szelpal
© Bruno Helbling
Haus Szelpal
© Bruno Helbling
Haus Szelpal
© Bruno Helbling
Haus Szelpal
© Bruno Helbling
Haus Szelpal
© Bruno Helbling
Haus Szelpal
© Bruno Helbling


Haus Szelpal
Section


Haus Szelpal
Ground Floor Plan
Haus Szelpal
Second Floor Plan