Residential duplex, Rüschlikon

Cubic shape
Year constructed: 2010

Replacing an older structure, a two-unit house is being built on a steep site with a beautiful view of Lake Zurich’s western shore. The two units of around 150 m2 each are intertwined into the cubic shape of the four-storey building in such a way that they appear to be entirely separate from each other: residents of each unit never glimpse each other due to the separate accesses as well as the outdoor spaces laid out on different sides of the building. Only the underground car park is common to both units. This feat of complete independence is achieved thanks to a complex, three-dimensional interweaving of floor plans over three storeys. As a result, both units enjoy lake views, sunlight and private outdoor spaces on the terraced plot. The outer skin of the building exudes a special elegance: it is completely clad in copper plating, each section of which has its own individual granularity and sheen. Towards the lake, the structure opens up by means of generous aluminium-framed glazing.