The original building is a log farmhouse typical of the vernacular landscape of Toggenburg, which we extended to the west to create a large living room and kitchen. The spaciousness of the new area contrasts with the small, low-ceilinged rooms of the existing house. A large bay window on the west side offers spectacular views of the mountains. The enclosed south side of the extension provides a relaxing space sheltered from the sun and wind, overlooking the garden. The existing house has been renovated, with new bathrooms and a new heating system installed.

The construction is a ‘full wood’ system, which offers wooden structures without metal or glue, which are ubiquitous in contemporary wooden construction. The walls are composed of a dozen layers of planks placed crosswise, then connected transversally using beech wood dowels. The result is a wall made entirely of solid wood that serves both as a load-bearing wall and thermal insulation. Thin air pockets are trapped between the layers of raw wood, providing effective thermal insulation for the house. In addition, the wall breathes, regulating humidity and ensuring ideal indoor comfort. Similarly, as part of our efforts to reduce the use of glue, the entire interior joinery – doors, kitchen, panels, floors and built-in cupboards – has also been made from wood and without any glue.

The materials are sourced locally to reduce the building's environmental impact. The spruce and fir wood used in the construction was grown within a 30-kilometre radius of the production site, then sawn by the neighbouring sawmill and installed by local craftsmen.