So close to the lake

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Architect Sophie Morard of SHE Architecture has found the key to happiness for herself. It is closely connected to a small place in the canton of Valais, near the border to France: St. Gingolph is located right by the deep turquoise-blue waters of Lake Geneva, where Le Corbusier once left his traces. Together with her husband, Sophie Morard redesigned a dilapidated cottage from the sixties according to her own visions and created somewhat of a “volume miracle” on a modest 64 square metres: Good architectural considerations make the designed living space much larger than it is. A feel-good retreat with an unparalleled view behind a bronze shimmering zig-zag façade that invites you to be happy.

Follow the full story in the latest issue of the PREFARENZEN journal.

Portrait of Sophie Morard sitting behind the window with her two dogs in her lake house.

Side view of the lake house with a view of the terrace and a mountainous landscape in the background.

Side view of the lake house from the side of entry, the view is directed towards the roof and façade. The lake and mountain landscape spread out behind it.

View of the house from a lateral bird eye's view.

Side view of the cottage with its natural surroundings.

On the left: a view, framed by pink flowers and bronze-coloured aluminium, into the interior with a couch and a painting. On the right: the external shower.

Close-up of the façade and gutter by PREFA, which was also executed in the colour bronze.

View of the tasteful interior with the kitchen, dining table and seating.

Interior view with the kitchen and bedroom, which are separated by a moveable glass wall.

Side view of the building with the zig-zag aluminium façade, part of the illuminated interior is in view.

View of the terrace and part of the building interior in the evening.

Detached house with serrated profile in bronze

View of the terrace and part of the building's interior in the evening.

Further Information:

Text: Anneliese Heinisch
Photos: Croce & Wir

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So close to the lake: PREFA Architecture by Sophie Morard