Objekt 329 | Meier Architekten GmbH

The readability of the architectural elements is an important concern for Egon Meier. As the architect of this family home in Oberwil-Lieli, he set himself the task of "putting together simple forms and creating a practical living space." The uncomplicated plot of land made it easy for him to implement the desired straightforwardness.

The building was to horizontally capture the unrestricted views. «The location with its breathtaking views over the rolling hill formation is definitely the highlight. It was a privilege for the clientele to be able to set up a family base here, as the brother and father of the owners have already built on the neighboring plot.  For the couple and their two children it was necessary to design a home with value. "A building which destiguishes the different areas, creating a quality atmosphere in the busy areas such as living room or kitchen, and tranquil areas for example, in the bedrooms," says the architect. This can already be seen on the façade, as one can recognize where the central living area takes place and where the privacy zone begins. Not only the height, but also the depth of the rooms express this. Thus, creating a cubic form for the living room which protrudes forward, covering parts of the outdoor seating area. In return, the bedrooms were placed more in the background. "The whole building is interlaced and leading to an exciting outdoor space situation, which merges together with the house," describes Egon Meier. On the one hand the stylish lounge, with its hedged in boarders, which radiates security, and on the other hand the swimming pool, which simply adapts to the straightforward concept. The pool deliberately has a slightly larger boarding platform where the kids can play without going in too deep. The spacious lawned garden also provides a playground for the young and gives the whole family a lot of outdoor space. QUALITY OF LIVING ON THE ENTIRE AREA Access to the house is via the official entrance or the garage. A small cloakroom and a guest toilet belong to the entree. A few steps further, the home divides into its various zones. On the left, the nursery and the parents' bedroom. While the two siblings share a bathroom with shower and double vanity, the couple has their own bathroom. Modern surfaces made of matt mineral cast have particularly appealed to Egon Meier: "Mat stands for elegance and simplicity. I do not like shiny surfaces. "This theme has been followed through throughout the building. His architectural firm always offers customers a complete package which includes the entire interior design, enabling him to achieve an overall uniform design. "In this way, all the details are planned from one point of view, being thought through carefully, so that everything fits in during the implementation. This requires clear guidance from the architect and prior definition of milestones, "emphasizes Egon Meier. Such details are visible for example in the living area, here generosity has been prevailed. A lounge area, dining area and kitchen are all in one room but joined together, dividing them into three zones. The lowered ceiling gives the kitchen a feeling of security and intimacy, while in the dining area its spacious and airy. A step down and slightly separated by the hanging chimney, is the livingroom. "Here you have the full room height and a wonderful view of the surroundings.

The view is captured through frameless windows by Sky-Frame. Pure transparency at the highest degree. "With the intent to keep everything simple, only a few colors were chosen. Most of the walls are dominated by white or a muted earth tones. Striking is the parquet floor made of oak. "The knotty, trimmed surface is very lively and almost feels like a gentle foot massage when walking on it - a real pleasure to run on," enthuses the architect. In combination with the discreet color scheme, the result is a harmonious blank canvas for the family to giver their personal touch through their furnishing.

TWO LIVING ROOMS, TWO KITCHENS Egon Meier was able to implement the client's wish for a second living room in the basement thanks to the generous space available. However, since the areas should not be completely sealed off from the rest of the house, he solved this through a gallery, an object staircase: «The staircase softly swings fluently down into the room and creates the visual connection.» The cozy TV lounge on garden level is in summer, when the french doors are open an outdoor living room, which the whole family enjoys. For practical reasons, a pool kitchen has been installed, which makes  barbecue parties easy to host. If the cooking area is not needed, it can be hidden behind a large sliding wall. "We have also integrated the wine cellar, being glazed and insulated, perfectly temperatured to show off the owners wine collection," explains the architect.

The corridor under the stairs leads to the guest room with en suite bathroom and separate seating area. The technical rooms are located on the opposite side. A heat pump geothermal probe, controlled ventilation, underfloor heating and concrete core activation ensure pleasant room temperatures all year round. While underfloor heating warms the house in winter, concrete core activation cools in summer the rising air above the ceiling. "This is very much appreciated in a glass architecture like this one. In addition awnings have been mounted, adding shade, this is the best way to guarantee a good living climate », explains Egon Meier. Lucky for the owners, everything was thought of. The architect can look back on a sucsessful completed  project after 18 months of construction.