Tanner House

Tanner House
© Jan Keller

TANNER HOUSE

Bauatelier Metzler

CATEGORY
Houses, Renovation

LOCATION
Switzerland

AREA
160 m²

YEAR
2016

PHOTOGRAPHS
Jan Keller

Text description provided by architect.

Nestled in its hillside location with breathtaking views over Lake Constance and Reichenau Island, this typical 1970's building was in desperate need of rehabilitation regarding current energy standards.

Tanner House
© Jan Keller
Tanner House
© Jan Keller

The new owner and developer Thomas Tanner saw potential in its strong and rough form, reminiscent of architecture during this time.

From a sustainability perspective, the large amount of grey energy already built into the existing structure speaks for rehabilitation rather than demolition.

Tanner House
© Jan Keller
Tanner House
© Jan Keller

Its lake-ward tilting rectangular body rests on a solid base creating a strong dynamic that gives this building its character.

This sloping gesture was maintained and enhanced by carefully reworking the window sizes to form horizontal window strips. The pre-existing lakeside facade was gutted out, neatly exposing its bold slanting wooden double beams that support the large overhanging body.

Tanner House
© Jan Keller
Tanner House
© Jan Keller

A fine black metal railing presents the only barrier between the lake and its beholder in this extended outside living area.

Replaced with a welleternit cover, the roof now folds around the entire hill facing the facade on the backside of the building.

The lateral facades to the east and west of the building are cladded with vertical timber planks.

The art of an energy rehabilitation project is to preserve the architectural quality and character of a building.

Tanner House
© Jan Keller
Tanner House
© Jan Keller
Tanner House
© Jan Keller

The house of Salenstein achieves this by forming a mature character, form, and function. The shell of the building is now completely insulated and the old oil-fired heating replaced with an energy-efficient heat pump.

Through diligent detailing, we achieved the harmonic transition of a 50-year-old building into a lasting family home with modern standards, which would have otherwise had to be destroyed and disposed of.

Tanner House
© Jan Keller
Tanner House
© Jan Keller


Tanner House
First floor plan
Tanner House
Second floor plan


Tanner House
Elevation North
Tanner House
Elevation West
Tanner House
Elevation South
Tanner House
Elevation East