Directory

Back to group shot

Architects Directory 2009

 

Jürg Schmid Architekten

Switzerland

BIOGRAPHY AND PRACTICE

Having both practiced and taught, Jurg Schmid gained experience from Burkhalter & Sumi Architects in Zurich as well as the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale in Lausanne, when he set up his own practice. He also has an engineering degree under his belt, which further widens his experience and building approach. His influences include US architect John Lautner, who he sees as “a master at incorporating life-giving qualities into architecture. His buildings are remarkable for their sensitive balance between the natural qualities of landscape and the artificial qualities of built structures.” Work by landscape artists like Olafur Eliasson and Andy Goldsworthy also inspires him.

THE HOUSE

Cleverly adapting to our brief for a non-site-specific design, Schmid planned his "Diamonds are Forever" house on a mere 25-sq m footprint, which would permit the house to be constructed on any condition; level ground, angled surfaces, ultra compact sites, or even on water. The roof is fitted with solar cells and collectors, with a wind generator in the centre to help cover the building's energy needs. It's constructed from Misapor concrete and therefore heavily insulated thanks to the Swiss material's high foam glass content. Finally, it's made ecologically sustainable thanks to easily separable materials enabling the house to be recycled in the case of rebuilding or demolition.

THE FUTURE

Schmid works with a particular and site-specific approach for each commission. The team's first step is always to analyse each brief's specifics and qualities, to customise their design solutions accordingly, a method which they are planning to apply on every current and future project.

www.jsar.ch