House on
HOUSE

Year
Site
Author
People

2025
Lucerne, Switzerland
Radiant X GUR Architects
Valentin Bossart, Ruby Hall & Andreas Galliker

House on House investigates how urban spaces can be densified in the medium term. While the building will eventually be replaced by a new construction due to the higher possible utilisation of the plot, the structure on top can remain alive and move elsewhere.

Based on the traditional chalet— one of the earliest forms of modular construction in Switzerland—the dilapidated upper part is removed while the solid base remains. In reference to the chalet, the top structure is replaced by a modular construction that can be disassembled and reassembled in a new location.

A prototype for the potential reincarnation “In my Backyard.”

Development plan Schönbühl 1946  |  Staatsarchiv Luzern
The chalet typology originates from Bernese Farm Houses
Aerial perspective Schönbühl 1976  I  ETH Archive
Swiss Pavilion, Expo Paris 1901
Before the renovation 2022
Reimport of the Chalet
View of the new building layer with winter gardens and lifts
Concept Front
Glazed balconies extend the living space  |  Joshua Loher
Concept Back
Phase I, Existing Building
House Transmutation
Stitch corridor to the lift  |  Marc Bösch
Interior

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