dgj044 Spiral House Pigniu, Pigniu, CH , 2004

The village Pigniu lies at 1300 meters above sea in the Surselva Region of Graubünden province, above the Town Ilanz. The house above the centre of the village is clearly of our time, but still integrating into the village’s general appearance.

A strip surrounds the whole volume on both levels. Its material changes from concrete in the base to wooden shingles in the upper living floor. The strip emerges from the landscape and ends at the entry of the house by the street – from here the structure is revealed to the visitor. Even if the house is freestanding, an articulation of subdivided volumes is reached by shifting the two levels to each other – this dynamic structure loosens the massiveness of the house, and connects it to the alpine panorama with centrifugal forces.

The materials of the house are chosen in relation to the surrounding houses and barns. Its constructive language connects traditional elements with modern techniques. The lower part is kept in concrete with a flat modular formwork – the upper one is of prefabricated wooden elements, covered with hand-cut larch shingles. The larch windows and shutters are the same for both parts – accentuating the continuity of the strip. While the house is integrated with its outer appearance, the inner spaces are completely different. The open spaces are divided only by levels and sliding walls. The continuity of the spiral is reflected in the spatial structure, and thereby in the daily movements of the inhabitants. The soapstone fireplace is the centerpiece of the movement – continuing over two levels from oven to “chaise très longue,” and ending in the kitchen.

By summer 2012 the house will be opening for holiday rent at www.surselva.info.