germanier house, vétroz, conversion

client :
frédéric germanier
program :
living room, kitchen, bathroom, 2 bedrooms, cellar, techniques

dates :
project 2007,
execution 2008-2009
sia 116 volume :
600 m3
collaboration :
françois meyer architecture, sion
civil engineer:
alpatec sa, martigny
building physics:
énerconseil, sion
photgrapher :
thomas jantscher

vétroz, in the heart of the valais, boasts 170 hectares of vineyards. maison germanier, which dates from 1850, was originally the home of a wine grower and stands on a beautifully sunny, sloping site among the vines of the “pays de l’amigne”. the present owner of the building wanted to have it renovated.

the house consists of a substructure in rubble masonry, with a timber structure above. the stone part traditionally accommodated the premises associated with the land (wine cellar, stores for tools, foodstuffs, etc.), while the wooden part was the ideal envelope for the living spaces. the elements of the new project were designed with this traditional division of the building in mind. the daytime-use areas are in the upper part of the building and the bedrooms are on the intermediate level.

the varied nature of the structural materials is a particular feature of this building. thus, the rubble façades have had the render removed and the timbers are retained. the house is fully insulated inside, with mineral materials in the stone part (cement-bonded particle board, cement screed) and organic materials in the wooden part (larch panelling and original floor).

condition before conversion - south facade - north facade