Concrete House on a Slope: Villa BEC by Andrea Pelati Architecte

Introduction to a Slope-Side Concrete House

Villa BEC, designed by Andrea Pelati Architecte, stands gracefully on the sloping terrain of Bevaix, a historical fishing and vineyard village in La Grande Béroche, Switzerland. This 600 m² residence captures the essence of contemporary architecture with raw material expression, site-specific design, and a breathtaking panoramic view over Lake Neuchâtel and the Alps.

Contextual Design Inspired by Landscape

Located in a peaceful neighborhood close to the docks, the villa is designed to emerge organically from the sloped site. The architecture respects the site’s topography by embedding itself into the landscape, allowing the garden to appear as though it is elevated and shielding the living quarters beneath. The design vision sought to integrate the structure into the ground, rather than impose upon it, creating a seamless flow between architecture and nature.

Conceptual Development and Client Adaptation

Initially, the architects proposed two scenarios: a pair of terraced homes or a singular house with a full living program on one level and auxiliary spaces below. The chosen option—a single-family house—was tailored to suit the specific needs of the final client, maintaining flexibility within a robust architectural language. This collaborative design process emphasized adaptability without compromising spatial clarity or cohesion.

Structural Identity: Reinforced Concrete Aesthetic

The villa is constructed entirely of reinforced concrete, which is left exposed in the interior to create a consistent and tactile spatial experience. Externally, the bush-hammered treatment enhances the mineral quality of the concrete surface, emphasizing its material honesty and geological resonance. The textural variation accentuates the sense of a monolithic structure carved from the terrain itself.

Interior Light and Spatial Composition

A split-level patio acts as a vertical light shaft in the center of the home, channeling daylight into the lower levels. This internal garden space functions both as a contemplative retreat and a conduit for natural light. The configuration of spaces is designed to feel open and expansive while still offering pockets of privacy and repose. The layout enhances the emotional quality of the interior through carefully orchestrated views and material tactility.

Blurring Boundaries with the Landscape

A generous glass façade along the main level fosters continuity between the indoors and outdoors. This transparency allows uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape and dissolves the threshold between interior and exterior living. The operable façade elements promote fluid movement, enabling residents to transition easily from the protected indoor environment to the open garden terrace.

Harmonizing Raw and Refined Materials

Contrasts between materials further enrich the architectural language. Smooth anodized aluminium and warm oak timber details juxtapose the rawness of concrete, introducing moments of softness and warmth. These curated materials foster an atmosphere of organic sophistication and underscore the dwelling’s balance between modern minimalism and natural integration.

A Contemporary Concrete House in Dialogue with Nature

Villa BEC exemplifies the potential of concrete architecture to harmonize with its environment while delivering spatial comfort and architectural expression. With its slope-hugging design, interior luminosity, and sensitive material palette, the house offers a refined response to both site and lifestyle, affirming the relevance of architectural restraint and contextual awareness in residential design.

All photographs are works of Karina Castro