Designed by architect Lionel Ballmer, La Petite Maison is a small wooden house and workshop completed in 2021. Located in a wooded area within the tourist resort of Haute-Nendaz, Switzerland, the project sits on a plot that was originally owned by the client's family. Instead of building a large house, the architects chose to divide the plot and build this 860-square-foot home to create a more intimate atmosphere. The house is designed with a series of small, interconnected spaces, creating a maze-like feel that gives the impression of a larger living space. The exterior of La Petite Maison is a simple monolith clad in rough, untreated local larch strips, which allows it to blend harmoniously with its vegetal surroundings. The use of wood also reflects a regional tradition of historical mountain buildings, but with a modern contrast to the greenery. The interior revolves around a central staircase that serves five half-levels, with the common areas on the lower floors and the private rooms on the upper levels. A minimalist material palette, a nod to the area's building heritage, was chosen for its aesthetic and thermal qualities. The project's design was driven by the desire for a secluded space for the architect, his wife, and their cats to enjoy their wooded plot, while also densifying the existing land. The resulting central garden, created by the offset house and workshop, is described as being "cut off from the rest of the world" despite being in close proximity to a family chalet and a summer camp. Credits Architect: Lionel Ballmer Photography: Julie Masson