Timber Residential Building: An Alpine Masterpiece

A new chapter is unfolding in the Alpine town of Gstaad, Switzerland, with the approval of a timber-based residential project. The building has been carefully planned to follow the natural contours of the valley. It features a sloping façade, a flat roof, and a ramp that connects the different levels. This creates a fluid movement between inside and outside.

Integration with Nature

The use of locally sourced timber on the façade allows natural light to filter into the interior spaces. It also opens wide panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. This balance between interior and exterior reinforces the project’s presence as part of the natural landscape.

Wooden residential façade on a natural slope in Gstaad — View showing the architectural design of the building with timber façades integrated into Gstaad’s mountain landscape

Architectural Program

The ground floor hosts an exhibition area that opens to the public during the summer months. This fosters direct interaction with the surrounding landscape. Upper levels are dedicated to enclosed galleries designed with precise conditions. They can accommodate sensitive and private collections.
At the top, the building includes a social space with indoor lounges. There is also a roof terrace offering sweeping views of the valley. Along with this, a private dining hall is equipped for events.

Side view of the building showing terraced levels on the slope — Side shot revealing how the design adapts to the natural slope’s topography

Subterranean Spaces

The project also extends underground, with more than 3,000 square meters allocated for storage. These spaces are specifically designed to preserve valuable collections under tailored conditions for long-term conservation.

Contemporary Architectural Language

At the core of the design is the idea of making circulation part of the architectural experience itself. The integrated ramp connects the ground floor to the penthouse, turning vertical movement into a continuous journey. This design approach positions the building within a global architectural trend increasingly embracing timber structures as sustainable and renewable solutions.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
The article presents a timber residential project in Gstaad as an architectural exploration. It is integrated into the valley’s contours through a sloping façade and local wood cladding. The imagery conveys a balance between natural light and panoramic openness to the Alpine landscape. Yet, while the material expression is clear, questions arise about the depth of its contextual relevance. The scheme emphasizes form and program over social or cultural integration. Nevertheless, the project highlights a critical direction in sustainable design strategies. By positioning timber as a central element within contemporary architectural discourse.

Explore the Latest Architecture Exhibitions & Conferences

ArchUp offers daily updates on top global architectural exhibitions, design conferences, and professional art and design forums.
Follow key architecture competitions, check official results, and stay informed through the latest architectural news worldwide.
ArchUp is your encyclopedic hub for discovering events and design-driven opportunities across the globe.