Villa BEC | andrea pelati architecte

Built in the historical fishing and vineyard village of Bevaix, this family house is located

on a slope close to the docks in a peaceful neighbourhood. It offers a panoramic view

over lake Neuchâtel and the Alps.

The original design concept for the building varied from that of a typical project. The

design team initially envisaged two scenarios for the site: one being two terraced

houses, and another being a unique house with the entire living program on a single

level with secondary rooms in the basement.

Potential clients were approached, and a final client chose to adopt the single house

option with project-specific requirements that the architect was able to accommodate

into the final design.

The two key elements of the project are:

The vision of a house emerging from the slope, as if the garden is elevated above the

ground protecting the new living space.

The split-level patio in the middle of the house brings a cascade of natural light to the

lower level where there is a secluded garden ideal for relaxing.

The dwelling is made entirely out of reinforced concrete that is exposed inside the

house, creating a natural flow throughout the building. Externally, it has been bush

hammered to strengthen the mineral aspect of the construction.

The generous glass façade on most of the ground level blurs the line between the

inside and outside living spaces and creates a harmonious and seamless transition

between indoor and outdoor living.

The garden has been designed to enhance privacy while retaining an opera box view

of the impressive landscape; and this in turn also provides an opportunity to move

freely in and out of the house.

The use of holistic materials such as anodized aluminium and oak timber creates a

contrast with the rawness of concrete, resulting in an organic build that encompasses

the natural landscape and a modern architectural style. The final build is a

contemporary and functional home that is in harmony with the landscape. It embraces

openness and cosiness in balance.