Lacroix Chessex renovate Maison Rebetez's inner layout

Lacroix Chessex's latest residential offering involves the complete redesign of a 1936 Swiss House in Coppet, called Maison Rebetez

(Image credit: Joël Tettamanti)

By Sara Sturges

last updated 14 August 2022

Maison Rebetez, a historic home in Coppet, Switzerland, dating back to 1936, has been given a modern and minimal overhaul, courtesy of local architecture firm Lacroix Chessex. When the owner’s offspring grew older and left the home, she soon became tired of the overwhelming amount of space in her now ‘empty nest’ and quickly enlisted the architects for a makeover. The plan was to update Maison Rebetez’s shell and rethink its interior program as two units, with the intention of renting one out.

The home's external reimagining set out to improve the property’s energy saving credentials. Large ‘wings’ were attached to the north and south facades to create a pair of shaded terraces. These overhanging, domed eaves were carefully designed to help provide light during both summer and winter months, while at the same time protecting the interiors from excessive heat.

Take an interactive tour of Coppet House

Clad in horizontally arranged planks of grey fir – selected for its warm aesthetic as well as its practical purposes – the solid shell encased the home in 350 sq m of added insulation.

Inside, the biggest intervention was the division of the home into two separate duplexes: the owner's portion includes three generous bedrooms, accompanied by two bathrooms and a living room, with an adjacent open plan kitchen, library, office and an artist studio. The new, separate home – which will be rented out – contains two bedrooms, one bathroom, a living room and its own self-contained kitchen.

The two units work seamlessly together within Maison Rebetez’s well-thought out modern shell, which impressively sits in complete harmony with its reworked interior, showcasing Lacroix Chessex’s ability to envision a beautiful home that delicately balances old and new.

The wooden exterior of the Swiss family home in Coppet — The property's new wooden skin aims to improve the house's energy saving credentials

Sheltered terrace in Swiss family home — Large 'wings' were attached to the north and the south facades, creating a pair of sheltered terraces

Exterior looking in at the Swiss family home — These overhanging eaves were carefully positioned to ensure interiors receive sunlight all year round

Exterior wall of the Swiss family home — Fir wood was chosen for the cladding, due to the material's soft, warm aesthetic and for its ability to act as a 'solid shell', which would enhance the property's new insulation

Esterior view of the swiss family home — Maison Rebetez's interior has been split into two separate duplexes, with the intention of renting one, while the owners live in the other.

Reception room of the swiss family home — The home owner's portion contains three generous bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open plan living room and kitchen

Library, office and art studio in the swiss family home — This part of the house also includes a library, office and an artist studio

Upper landing of a swiss family home — The property's separate rental unit contains two bedrooms, bathroom, living room and a self-contained kitchen

Chair in the window of a swiss family home — The result is a structure with a modern shell that remains in perfect harmony with its reworked historic interior

INFORMATION

For more information on Maison Rebetez, visit Lacroix Chessex's website

Photography: Joël Tettamanti

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