Think Architecture's Split-Level Lakeside Residence
A sprawling private residence, designed by the innovative Swiss studio Think Architecture, gracefully descends a narrow and steep incline overlooking the serene waters of Lake Zurich. This impressive 1,000-square-meter dwelling is characterized by a series of interconnected forms, finished in a striking combination of dark limestone and natural cedar.
Architectural Harmony on Lake Zurich's Slopes
Completed in October 2026, the "House on a Slope" is an architectural marvel situated on a challenging yet picturesque site above Lake Zurich, Switzerland. Think Architecture's creative director, Marco Zbinden, led the project, responding to the client's request for a substantial home that would blend seamlessly into its natural surroundings. The solution involved segmenting the expansive dwelling into two distinct blocks. These are ingeniously linked by a subterranean art corridor, forming a unique architectural narrative.
The upper section, accessible from street level, hosts the primary communal areas, including a modern kitchen, an inviting living room, and an elegant dining space. These rooms are distributed across the initial floors, offering panoramic views of the cascading hillside through expansive cedar-framed windows. The uppermost floor is dedicated to several private bedrooms, ensuring tranquility and seclusion for the residents. In contrast, the lower block, which features a facade of dark limestone, provides a more intimate and sheltered atmosphere. It houses additional bedrooms and opens directly onto a lush garden and a large swimming pool, crowned by a green roof terrace that further integrates the structure with the landscape. Strategic placement of openings throughout both structures facilitates the growth of indigenous trees, enhancing the home's natural integration with the mature foliage of the hillside. Zbinden emphasized the use of a restrained material palette, including bog oak, cedar, oak, Belgian bluestone, terrazzo, and patinated brass, to create interiors that are both tactile and visually rich. These materials were chosen for their enduring beauty and ability to foster warm, enveloping spaces, inviting residents to relax and feel truly at home. This project stands as the latest in a series of lakeside properties designed by Think Architecture, following a minimalist hilltop house and a residence adjacent to a vineyard, each demonstrating their commitment to contextual and thoughtful design.
This thoughtful design by Think Architecture provides a compelling example of how architectural innovation can navigate challenging topographies. The careful division of mass, combined with a sensitive material selection, not only addresses functional requirements but also elevates the living experience. It reminds us that truly exceptional architecture goes beyond mere construction, creating a harmonious dialogue between human dwelling and the natural world, inspiring a deeper appreciation for both design and environment.
