The plot of land on which the family house was to be built was the last plot in a neighbourhood standing alongside a canal, a zone subject to flooding and offering views over the medieval hillside village of Saillon. This situation was compounded by other constraints including the direction of the prevailing winds, access, clear views into the distance and the proximity of the existing and future buildings. All these elements underpinned the architectural concept.

The house is built on stilts protecting it from flooding and is inset with a patio, entrance and loggia. The wood of the hollowed elements, the pargeting façades and the classic gable roof mirror the materiality of the medieval village. The patio serves to ensure privacy while protecting against the wind and sun. Shutters reflecting the façade of the patio vary the perspectives and the quantity of the light filtering into the rooms. Inside, the central vertical distribution unit stretches from the floor to the ridge. It is materialised in concrete bush- hammered concrete in reference to the buildings in the village.

With this construction, the vernacular architectural elements have been revisited and emphasise the quality of both the interior and exterior spaces. The masonry, shutters and classic gable roof are thus not new here. This project nevertheless distinguishes itself through its specific response to a location, usage and time.

Material Used:

1. Wood

2. Plaster

3. Bush hammered concrete