'Option' - Bauart AG & Weberhaus

WeberHaus 'Option' house, developed from the ‘smallhouse.ch’ concept by the Swiss architects Bauart AG, is a prefabricated house manufactured in wood.

The appearence is minimalist and the house philosophy is, according to the architects, for a minimum cost and maximum design quality. Outside blocky, inside of "surprising generosity." The modular house grows with the needs of its residents. Only one thing remains the same - the unconventional mixture of panoramic windows and horizontal wood siding. The small sized, yet sophisticated design and construction, is though of to be a standalone building or to complement existing buildings and facilities.

The basic version modules are of 4.13 by 10.11 metres, with four generous windows, located on each face, provide the box with the necessary natural light. These are associated with four spatial zones, characterizing its appearance, contributing for its overall consistent and reduced, functional and object-like look.

Functionally, the basic version of the two-story box-like house offers living and dining room, hallway and complete kitchen, a fully equipped bath, a gallery and, separated by a sliding wall, two rooms for sleeping or working.

In addition to the basic box, ground plan variants like an L- or U-shape with an inner atrium are possible. Other options of this system include the grouping of volumes. An option for pitched roof may also be used.

The construction is of wood frame, with final assembly of a panel type (3D) construction. The construction system is developed by the builder, 'Weberhaus', and allows virtually any finishing type.

The compactness of the house may certainly be regarded as an indicator of the willingness of people to actually live in a small, compact house like this even when it is not dictated by an urban context. Its expansion possibilities keep together with a sense of compactness in space and possibilities of finishings and roof types make it adjusted to the contemporary family patterns and a contemporary lifestyle.

Project Information
Name: Option
Address: Thun [pilot project]
Context: Suburban
Use: House, Office or Mixed
Type of Building: Single, Semi-detached or Terrace
Number of Storeys: 2-storey
External dimensions: 4.13 x 10.11 m
Floor area: 67.64 m2
Ground occupancy: 41.75 m2
Roof: Flat or Pitched
Architecture: Bauart AG
Builder: Weberhaus Year: 2008