The kit stacks volumes of prefabricated lumber for the Swiss Tower House
Located in the Rhine Valley near St. gallen, Switzerlandthe Tower House by kit architects is a three-story detached house that explores vertical living prefabricated timber construction within a compact footprint. Designed for a family of four, the project occupies a limited triangular site near the historic center of the village, where considerations of scale, orientation and privacy inform the layout.
The building is positioned in such a way as to maintain distance from the neighboring structures, reduce the view and open the view to the surrounding landscape. The location strategy also anticipates future growth, allowing for the possible addition of a second home of similar dimensions in the southern part of the plot. The form refers to the archetype of a rural house, defined by narrow proportions, high elevations and a gabled gable roof. Deep roof overhangs protect the envelope and enhance volume clarity.
The construction is based on prefabricated spruce wood panels used for walls, floors and ceilings. These elements were fabricated off-site and assembled within three days, reducing construction time and site impact. Internally, the wooden structure remains exposed, defining the spatial character without additional finishes.
elevation northeast | all images by Till Forrer
Vertical Tower House made of concrete and Wood Case
At the center of the design, an exposed concrete core provides structural stability and accommodates vertical services. It also acts as an air shaft, supporting natural ventilation by drawing air upwards towards a ceiling light. Combined with an increased ceiling height in the living room and contrasting openings, this strategy allows for passive cooling.
Environmental performance is supported through a ventilated timber façade, strategically placed openings for passive solar gain, photovoltaic panels and a ground source heat pump with summer cooling capability. These systems help reduce energy demand and increase operational efficiency.
For the internal organization, design team in kit architects follows a clear vertical distribution. The ground floor comprises two main rooms connected to the garden via sliding doors. The bedrooms and common areas are on the first floor, while the upper level includes a library, study area and an additional bedroom with en-suite bathroom.
elevation south
view from the center of the village
altitude north
elevation west
refectory
concrete core with vertical void
living room
concrete staircase with vertical gap
loft – door to master bedroom
attic – study
study – panoramic window
project information:
name: Tower House
architect: architects kit | @kitarchitects
location: Rhine Valley, St. Gallen, Switzerland
photographer: To Forrer
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edited by: Christina Vergopoulou | designboom
