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— In a nutshell, how would you describe the Unterhus?
Annalisa: “The Unterhus is a real gem. It is a reinterpretation of the traditional timber houses of the area around Leis in Switzerland. The house is spacious and comfortable.”
— The Unterhus
— What was your motivation to build the Unterhus?
Annalisa: “I really wanted to live in an old timber house in Vals. That wasn’t possible because there were no such houses to rent or buy. When I heard that there was a building plot for sale in Leis, a hamlet just above Vals, I knew immediately that that was the place where I wanted my dream of a timber house to come true. The plot was large enough for us to build two houses. So we built Oberhus for me and the Unterhus for Peter. From late fall 2013, the Türmlihus will complete this little ensemble. The Unterhus and the Türmlihus are available for rent to vacationers.”
— Living area
— Please tell us a bit about your inspiration regarding the architecture and the interior design.
Annalisa: “We like the visible construction of traditional timber houses. The houses are designed and built in this tradition. The interior reflects the exterior, and vice versa. The solid-beam construction — both an outer layer and an inner — has also determined the appearance of the interior of the houses. You can see the beams and feel the weight of the timber. The traditional Strickbau (literally ‘knitted construction’) building technique is clearly visible in all the rooms. However, unlike the old-style houses that, for structural reasons, had very small windows, the windows are very large in our new wooden houses. Even when you are inside the house, you feel surrounded by the wonderful mountain scenery; the views are spectacular.
The houses are equipped with carefully selected designer furniture. The dining table, light fixtures, beds, daybed, bedside tables, coffee table and wooden wash basins are all designed by Peter Zumthor.”
The houses are equipped with carefully selected designer furniture. The dining table, light fixtures, beds, daybed, bedside tables, coffee table and wooden wash basins are all designed by Peter Zumthor.”
— The Unterhus
— To you personally, what is so special about the Unterhus?
Annalisa: “I love the spaciousness of the house, the living space with the spectacular 360-degree views, the openness to the surrounding landscape and the simultaneous feeling of coziness inside the house.
Even now, my heart beats faster and I have such a feeling of joy whenever I see the little chapel and the Unterhus, nestled close to each other!”
Even now, my heart beats faster and I have such a feeling of joy whenever I see the little chapel and the Unterhus, nestled close to each other!”
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