Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten
This holiday home by Swiss architects Hurst Song Architekten is partly embedded in the steep slopes of the Swiss Alps (+ slideshow).
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Located in Lumbrein in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, the house is vertically clad in black-stained timber.
![Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Holzkristal-by-Hurst-Song-Architekten_2a.jpg)
The roof is made from copper and will eventually discolour to blend in with the dark timber.
![Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Holzkristal-by-Hurst-Song-Architekten_3a.jpg)
The gabled roof has been positioned perpendicular to the hill, as is customary for local buildings.
![Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Holzkristal-by-Hurst-Song-Architekten_5.jpg)
A concrete frame has been inserted around the entrance at the lower corner of the house.
![Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Holzkristal-by-Hurst-Song-Architekten_4.jpg)
The underground parking area also provides a separate internal entrance to the house.
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The interiors make use of concrete and spruce, with darker materials on the lower levels and lighter materials throughout the upper floors.
![Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Holzkristal-by-Hurst-Song-Architekten_8.jpg)
The kitchen and living room have spruce walls and concrete floors, and are divided by a central concrete wall.
![Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Holzkristal-by-Hurst-Song-Architekten_9.jpg)
The bedrooms are finished in spruce and some have beds that fold out from the walls.
![Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Holzkristal-by-Hurst-Song-Architekten_11.jpg)
The project was commended in the AR House 2012 prize this year.
![Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Holzkristal-by-Hurst-Song-Architekten_10.jpg)
Another house in the Swiss Alps we've featured on Dezeen is a concrete extension to a stone house and barn.
![Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Holzkristal-by-Hurst-Song-Architekten_12.jpg)
See all our stories about Switzerland »
![Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Holzkristal-by-Hurst-Song-Architekten_13.jpg)
Here's some more text from the architects:
The building is located at the periphery of the village and ascribed to the landscape of a sloping field. The new road curves below the parcel which necessitates a steep berm where a small incision is made to allow access to the garage and provide entry to the house through the basement.
![Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Holzkristal-by-Hurst-Song-Architekten_15.jpg)
The gabled roof is oriented perpendicular to the slope following local custom.The building volume is rotated to face the street and to optimize the stunning views.
![Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Holzkristal-by-Hurst-Song-Architekten_14.jpg)
The resulting crystalline geometry emphasizes a dynamic relationship to the landscape. This reading is enhanced by the absence of roof eaves.
![Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Holzkristal-by-Hurst-Song-Architekten_16.jpg)
The sheathing, composed of verticle wooden planks, is treated with a weatherproof dark stain which relates to the materialtiy of the aged barns in the region.
![Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Holzkristal-by-Hurst-Song-Architekten_6.jpg)
The standing-seam copper roof will age in a short time to the same hue as the facade.
![Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Holzkristal-by-Hurst-Song-Architekten_21.gif)
The interiors are primarily composed out of concrete and spruce. The surfaces interlock and graduate in proportion from the cellar to the attic from heavy to light.
![Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Holzkristal-by-Hurst-Song-Architekten_27.gif)
In the living room a rugged concrete floor matches the concrete walls and in the bedrooms the wood floors are made from the same material as the timber walls and ceilings.
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Holzkristal
Single Family House
Lumbrein, GR 2009-2010
Switzerland
Minergie-P (Passive House Standard)
![Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Holzkristal-by-Hurst-Song-Architekten_25.gif)
Architektur: Hurst Song Architekten, Zürich
Ingenieur: Clemens Arpagaus, Vella
![Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Holzkristal-by-Hurst-Song-Architekten_26.gif)
Haustechnik: BSP-Energie, Zürich
Bauphysik: Raumanzug, Zürich
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Holzkonstruktion: Alig & Co, Vrin
Fenster und Türen: Alig & Co, Vrin
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Schreinerarbeiten: Alig & Co, Vrin
Küche: Alig & Co, Vrin
![Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Holzkristal-by-Hurst-Song-Architekten_31.gif)
Sanitärapparate: Catalano
Küchenapparate: V-Zug
Beschläge: D-Line
![Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten Holzkristal by Hurst Song Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Holzkristal-by-Hurst-Song-Architekten_30.gif)