Zurich studio Kit designed the 'House in the March District,' a split-level residence, which, as its name states, is located in Switzerland's March District.
The clients were a family who desired as much space as the small site allowed. In order to comply with their wishes, the architects went for a split-level approach. The rooms are arranged over five split-levels that follow the land's natural, sloping topography. The system resulted in a living room that cantilevers over an external dining area, as well as a smaller ecological footprint.
The architects explain, "The building was designed as a split-level to create a connection to the surrounding garden. This allows a sequence of spaces with different degrees of intimacy, light qualities and orientations." Essentially, each area is distinct from the next, thanks to differing levels of light, privacy and outdoor view.
Split-Level Swiss Homes
The House in the March District is Arranged Within Five Split-Levels
Trend Themes
1. Split-level Architecture - The trend of designing buildings with split-levels to create a sequence of spaces with different levels of intimacy and outdoor view.
2. Customized Residences - The trend of designing customized residences to suit the specific needs of the clients, resulting in a smaller ecological footprint.
3. Integrating Natural Topography - The trend of designing buildings that follow the natural, sloping topography of the land, resulting in distinctive spaces arranged over multiple levels.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Architects can innovate by exploring split-level designs that integrate the natural topography of the site and create unique, personalized spaces for the clients.
2. Real Estate - Real estate developers can create customized homes that utilize split-level design, resulting in smaller ecological footprints and unique selling points.
3. Construction - Construction companies can utilize innovative building techniques to follow the natural topography of the land while minimizing environmental impact and maximizing space utilization.