House on the Rocks: A Harmonious Blend of Architecture and Nature

Helena Weber's Award-Winning Design Marries Innovation and Sustainability

The inspiration for the "House on the Rocks" came from a desire to create a structure that would naturally blend with its environment. The design is a thoughtful response to the location and its cultural imprint, aiming to create a space that transcends its core purpose and adds atmospheric value. The choice of materials and the consideration of ecological aspects were crucial to the design process.

The house, built on a rock, presents a tranquil structure amidst a breathtaking natural landscape. It is constructed with local materials and resources, adding a touch of calmness to the valley. The architectural design creates a space that offers both protection and openness, with rooms offering generous views of the valley.

The house's unique features lie in its construction and materialization. The base floor, made of fairfaced concrete, supports the wooden living floor, encased and protected by a fan of silver fir lamella. This combination of materials creates a serene clarity and allows the inhabitants to feel the connection with nature and the adapted development of the room.

Notably, the house was built with a focus on ecologically sustainable construction. The thermal heat requirement is covered by geothermal energy, supplemented by a storage heater in the living room and controlled ventilation. The electricity needs are catered to by photovoltaics. All these elements were crafted with the expertise of local craftsmen, considering recompactification aspects and complementing the subdued neighborhood.

The house is inhabited by a young family who appreciates the poetic aspect of the design. The design offers varying degrees of transparency from the outside, which, from the inside, translates into a vibrant diversity of light and shadow, openness and closedness. The central inner courtyard adapts to the seasons, inviting winter light and moderating summer sun radiation through a green-top.

The "House on the Rocks" is a testament to Helena Weber's architectural prowess and her commitment to sustainable design. The project, which started in 2014 and was completed in 2015, won the Golden A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2017. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's wisdom and significantly impact the world with their desirable characteristics.