Winkelhaus is the inaugural project of estudio kmmk in Switzerland. The single-family home was shaped by its stunning natural surroundings and its regional context. The house forms a harmonious relationship with the adjacent forest and expansive valley. Its curved design orients all interior spaces toward the setting, allowing the inhabitants to experience both the architecture and its environs through all four seasons. The landscape concept integrates the building into the natural terrain, creating the impression that it has always belonged to this very place. Its placement was also guided by a conscious responsibility toward its built environment. The building was set as low as possible into the terrain in order to preserve the uninterrupted views of the pre-existing structures uphill and was positioned at an increased distance from the immediate neighbor as a deliberate gesture of respect toward those already inhabiting the site. This lowered position, while rooted in contextual sensitivity, also became a passive design strategy: by nesting the volume into the earth, the thermal mass of the ground contributes to stabilizing interior temperatures and reducing energy demand year-round. Through the seamless integration of geothermal and solar systems, Winkelhaus is fully powered by nature, achieving energy autonomy using its own ecosystem.
The exterior material palette reinforces this dialogue: textured bronze windows allow light to shift in color—a homage to the autumnal tones of the forest—while natural, hand-worked stone slabs reference local Roman ruins, acknowledging the region's historical layers. In contrast to the raw exterior materials, the interiors are intentionally restrained: seamless white floors, whitewashed natural wood surfaces, and white plastered walls and ceilings. This composition, filled with abundant daylight, generates a peaceful atmosphere and directs focus toward the astonishing views of the valley and nearby forest.
Rooted in an in-depth analysis of the site’s history, the project emerged from a rigorous, integrated dialogue between architecture and engineering. Rather than consulting specialists post-design, engineers and landscape architects were involved from the earliest conceptual phases. This synchronization allowed the team to rationalize complex geometries for efficient construction without diluting the architectural intent, ensuring a high-quality execution that maintains the purity of the original vision.
As a smart home, the building uses advanced technology to optimize energy consumption and comfort. This commitment to innovation is further exemplified by a pioneering 3D-printed formwork for the outdoor kitchen—a collaboration with the robotics industry and researchers from ETH Zurich scheduled for 2026. This "project within a project" bridges the most ancient form of human artistic expression with cutting-edge technology: a hand-sculpted clay model was 3D-scanned and translated into a digital blueprint, allowing robotics to recreate the organic, primal form with future-facing precision.
From the first sketch to the final stone, the central mission remained unchanged: combining thoughtful design with advanced technology to ensure the architecture exists in true harmony and in profound respect for its surroundings. After its completion, the main task lies with the dwellers: to begin the soulful path of transforming this man-made structure into a living home.
