Experience the Charm of Lukas Lenherr's 'Kleines Haus': A Masterpiece of Simplicity and Elegance

In the picturesque village of Jonschwil, nestled within the scenic Alttoggenburg region of Switzerland, a remarkable architectural gem has taken shape. Standing proudly amidst its surroundings, Lukas Lenherr's 'Kleines Haus exemplifies the harmonious fusion of sustainable design principles and compact living.

Originally an old storage house, this transformed dwelling now boasts three stacked rooms with wet cells, creating a spiralling and vertically connected living space that spans all three floors. The result is a "small house" that encompasses just under 99 square meters of living area, ingeniously optimizing the limited square footage available.

At the heart of the design lies a nod to Japanese room constellations, where corridors are replaced by a sequence of interconnected rooms. By eliminating conventional passageways, the house invites occupants to experience the space in various sequences, fostering a sense of exploration and discovery. Horizontal nets provide unique seating options, further enhancing the multifunctional nature of the interiors.

The materials employed in the construction of 'Kleines Haus are intentionally minimalistic and natural, showcasing the beauty of simplicity. The deliberate juxtaposition of contrasting materials, without the use of lamination, creates a tactile and visually striking aesthetic. The inclusion of unconventional materials and the visible traces of craftsmanship add character to the design, celebrating the imperfect beauty of impermanence.

This compact abode does not feature a basement due to the groundwater conditions. Additionally, the technical equipment is ingeniously tucked away in a closet within the washroom, ensuring a streamlined and efficient use of space. The house's heating requirements are minimized thanks to a thick insulation layer of wood fibre and sheep's wool. A central wood stove supplemented by underfloor heating provides cosy warmth throughout.

Over time, the wooden facade of 'Kleines Haus' will gracefully weather, reflecting the passage of time and harmonizing with its natural surroundings. Crafted from squared timbers of local larch and adorned with simple wooden windows made from pine, the facade will develop a unique patina that tells the story of its evolution. The deliberate visible screw pattern adds a touch of contemporary flair while countering the effects of ageing.

Beyond its architectural merits, 'Kleines Haus' is a testament to sustainability. The building materials have been consciously left untreated, openly screwed, and largely unaltered, allowing for easy disassembly and reuse. This approach extends to the kitchen, where a wooden frame accommodates devices sourced from the component exchange trade, embodying the principle of reuse even in the smallest details.

Despite its modest footprint, 'Kleines Haus' provides ample space for a family with two children. The vertical living arrangement fosters a strong sense of connection between the various rooms, transforming everyday living into an engaging and communal experience. Privacy is also prioritized, ensuring that moments of retreat can be enjoyed consciously and deliberately.

Not only does this compact dwelling contribute to the preservation of the town's architectural fabric, but it also boasts low construction costs and energy consumption. Embracing the values of reduction, simplicity, and sufficiency, 'Kleines Haus' embodies the notion that less is indeed more.

Furthermore, the smaller ecological impact of this dwelling has allowed for the inclusion of a vegetable garden, providing occupants with the opportunity to cultivate their own produce, even if it comes at the expense of a traditional parking lot.

Architects: Lukas Lenherr Architektur

Area: 99 m²

Year: 2019

Constructor: Spezialbau Huber GmbH

Project Architect: Elena Sonderegger, Lukas Lenherr

Kitchen: Anderegg AS-Schreinerei GmbH

Floors: Spezialbau Huber GmbH

Roof: Remo Schönenberger AG

Windows: Keller Fensterbau Schreinerei AG

City: Jonschwil

Country: Switzerland