The House Giacomelli Schmid, completed in 2016 by Swiss firm Caminada Architekten, is a distinctive family home located in the village of Trin-Mulin, in the Grisons region of Switzerland. Situated amongst a loose arrangement of single-family houses, the house stands out with its powerful yet minimalist architecture, set against the backdrop of an impressive mountain range.

The design, characterized by a "hard shell, soft core" approach, is a thoughtful response to both its alpine environment and the clients' needs.

The exterior presents a fortress-like shell of raw, vertically-formed concrete. The light color of the concrete is a result of using local cement, giving the structure an authentic, unpretentious feel. This robust outer shell is designed to withstand the harsh alpine climate. In contrast, the interior features a fully wooden core, bringing warmth and a sense of coziness to the living spaces.

The house has an almost square footprint and a steep gable roof, reflecting a contemporary take on traditional alpine building. The design is precisely placed within the landscape to maximize views of the impressive mountain scenery.

A single-storey annex flanks the main building, anchoring it into the sloping terrain. This addition not only defines the main entrance but also provides two covered parking spaces.

The interior is organized around the self-supporting wooden core, which serves as a central hub for the split-level arrangement of the rooms. Rooms are arranged on half-stories around the central core, creating a continuous flow of space and providing access to the different areas. The living and dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a dressing room, a library, a studio, and a wine cellar are all cleverly integrated into this layout. The warm, natural wood of the core contrasts beautifully with the raw concrete of the exterior and ceilings, creating a rich tactile and visual experience.

The formwork pattern of the concrete walls was created using vertically arranged, standardized large-area formwork, showcasing a meticulous attention to detail.

Project credits

Architects: Caminada Architekten

Photography: Gaudenz Danuser

Location: Trin-Mulin, Switzerland

Project Year: 2016