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Haus zur Sommerau
location: Uetikon am See, Switzerland
client: Private
status: Realized
project: 2017⁠–⁠2018
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The listed Haus Zur Sommerau in Uetikon near Zurich stands on a ridge next to school buildings, a community center, and the Uetikon church hill. The property is defined by its large garden, featuring "Brezelwegen" pathways, plant beds, enclosures, and historical gates reminiscent of grand bourgeois residences.

Likely built in 1902 by Karl August Veit, the architect of the Weissenrain school building. The Haus Zur Sommerau and the school share a distinct resemblance, both representing historicism. Distinct features of the house include its half-hipped roof, roof brackets, and southeast-facing loggias. The conservation agreement consists of the preservation of its rustic sandstone block foundation, diamond-accented corner blocks, and the detailed design of the cast stone window frames.

The historicist approach is reflected throughout the interior with elements such as ceiling stucco moldings, dadoes, intricate apartment doors, and painted faux wood, some still in their original condition. All of these features have been carefully restored according to preservation requirements. Additional insulation was introduced to the roof, along with three small windows. Most of the original tiles have been reused or supplemented by historical tiles from a conservation depot. Spatially, the intervention is limited to the kitchens and bathrooms on all floors, designed to integrate with the overall historical context and appearance of the building. The only significant modification in the layout was in the southeast room on the ground floor, where a portion was sectioned off for a cloakroom and guest toilet.

Based on conservation analysis, the building's primary green hue was re-established, as well as the use of lincrusta, a deeply embossed, linseed oil-based wallpaper in the staircase. The original herringbone and Versailles pattern parquet floors were sanded and oiled. The dado woodwork was finished with oil paint, and the walls were painted with mineral paint. The kitchen design features a seemingly timeless terrazzo and stainless-steel surfaces, while the ethereal bathrooms are equipped with Moroccan cement tiles, green cabinetry, marble-lined basins, and carefully designed light fixtures.

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commission: Direct
program: Conversion, Residential
size: 350 m²
team: Annette Spillmann, Harald Echsle, Christoph Heitzmann, Karin Mousson, Sylvia Wohlmann, Rico Furter, Janek Geiser, Jen Balmer, Annina Fischer, Severine Frehner, Alexandra Meuche, Nicolas Wild, Katrin Zumbrunnen
consultants: Spiegel + Partner AG; Haag & Partner GmbH; ryffel + ryffel ag
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