Neigles House by LVPH Architectes: A Compact Wooden Tower in Rural Fribourg

Nestled at the edge of the Sarine River in Fribourg, Switzerland, Neigles House by LVPH Architectes emerges as a thoughtful architectural response to rural surroundings populated by goats, sheep, chickens, and rabbits. Designed in 2021 by lead architect Paul Humbert, the project prioritizes minimal land usage and sustainable wood construction, taking the form of a compact vertical structure—an elegant timber tower seamlessly integrated into its pastoral context.

The original master plan proposed two separate volumes, yet only one was realized. Instead of expanding horizontally, the architects conceived a vertical volume that conserves the maximum amount of available terrain. At just 200 square meters, this wooden home exemplifies space efficiency and modular adaptability.

Spatial Strategy and Prefabricated Design

The house is organized around a central service core that contains bathrooms and storage, while three interlocking rooms branch out from this nucleus on each level. The spatial organization is deliberate and minimal—each floor features just four large framed windows, carefully placed to open up the interiors to sweeping views of the countryside while preserving privacy and thermal efficiency.

The structure is composed of prefabricated wooden panels, specifically 3-ply timber, which remain exposed throughout the interiors to create a warm, tactile ambiance. These natural materials reflect the sustainability ethos of the project and reduce the environmental footprint through modular off-site construction techniques.

Flexible Residential Configuration

The regular and symmetrical plan supports flexible occupancy scenarios: the house can be configured as a single-family residence, two apartments, or even three compact units. This multi-unit adaptability enables a range of living arrangements, from extended family housing to small-scale rentals, all within a compact footprint.

By embracing simplicity, material honesty, and land conservation, Neigles House showcases a refined rural modernism that prioritizes ecological design principles and architectural clarity.

All Photographs are works of Joël Tettamanti, Rolf Siegenthaler