Architects associated with the “Neues Bauen” movement started constructing modest, affordable housing for laborers in the 1920s. This fashion was contentious and perceived as being Communist in Switzerland. But a lot of the movement’s principles are still in use today.
In the years following World War I, Switzerland experienced a housing scarcity. As a result, “Neues Bauen” (“New Building”) movement architects sought to develop affordable housing for the working classes utilizing effective building techniques.
In order to reduce materials costs and building expenses (land prices were not as high as they are today), they created compact houses with flat roofs and no cellar. The architects “industrialized” the building process by employing prefabricated pieces and standardized prototypes for mass manufacturing. In order to save down on long-term heating and maintenance costs, some homes only had windows on one side.
The first Swiss Housing Exhibition (WOBA), which featured an actual residential estate, was held in Basel in 1930, and it was there that the architects from Neues Bauen presented their house concepts.
Each home featured two bedrooms, a garden and 45 square meters of living space. A family on a modest income might live there affordably and comfortably. In those days, having a kitchen and bathroom in every home was not a guarantee.
The late 1960s saw the rise of minimalism as a design movement, which has subsequently influenced visual art, interior design, architecture, music, and fashion. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, minimalism’s appeal declined, but it has recently had a major rebirth. In the public’s mind, modern minimalism is inextricably linked to Scandinavian design principles since Scandi minimalism swept the world in a rush of publications, accolades, and social media trends.
Minimalist designs are simple to recognize and characterize. A sense of symmetry, purpose, cleanliness, and monochromia are traits of minimalism. Natural light is abundant in minimalist homes, which also feature thin furniture and only the necessities. An environment’s floor space and open air will be highlighted by furniture and vector lines in a minimalistic house design, which emphasizes the negative space.
The obsessive consumerism that was clogging up families’ homes all around the world gave rise to minimalism. As a result, truly minimalist designs ought to focus primarily on the necessities of home comfort. Things like trinkets, home accents, colors, and artwork are kept understated and minimal. Inspiring inner serenity and clearing the mind of clutter by creating an organized environment are the goals of minimalism.
Modern minimalism has drawn criticism from all across the world, though, for turning into what it was meant to counter. Modern minimalism has undoubtedly changed from one side being a design trend for individuals who wish to make beautiful rooms with less to being a style for the wealthy designer. Only those with the financial means to purchase new items on demand may afford to live clutter-free.
It’s interesting to note that this sparked the emergence of maximalism, the antithesis of minimalism in design and particularly popular among today’s youth. Maximalism encourages the placement of emotive items and straightforward trinkets that would likely be considered unneeded by minimalists.
Minimalism can be a way of life as well as a design aesthetic. A dedication to simplicity and utility over form is a hallmark of minimalist life. Only items that are immediately useful and essential are used or owned by minimalists. Additionally, minimalists have a spiritual outlook on life and frequently think that congested environments make it difficult to focus on oneself. Meditation, simple eating, and meticulous waste minimization are common practices for minimalists.
It’s more difficult to become a minimalist than to renovate your house. A functionally minimalist lifestyle can be successfully adopted in around one to two years. This entails making significant modifications to your routines, especially with your spending. The need to give up goods that, in the view of minimalism, are not necessary is another issue that many people deal with when making the move to a minimalist lifestyle.
A modern Swiss house typically blends contemporary interior design elements with traditional Swiss architectural characteristics. Here are some key features and aspects you might find in a modern Swiss house:
Swiss houses often draw inspiration from the surrounding alpine landscape. They may feature sloping roofs and walls with wide overhangs to protect against heavy snowfall and incorporate natural materials like wood, stone, and glass.
Taking advantage of the scenic views, modern Swiss houses tend to have large, strategically placed windows. These windows allow ample natural light to flood the interior spaces and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains or countryside.
Switzerland is known for its commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness. Modern Swiss houses often incorporate energy-efficient features such as solar panels, geothermal heating systems, and high-quality insulation.
Many modern Swiss houses embrace open floor plans, creating a seamless flow between living, dining room, and kitchen areas. This design approach maximizes space and enhances the feeling of spaciousness.
Clean lines, simplicity, and minimalism are often emphasized in modern Swiss architecture. The interiors may feature neutral color palettes, sleek surfaces, less furniture and a focus on functionality and organization.
Swiss houses often seek to integrate seamlessly with their natural surroundings. This may involve incorporating outdoor living spaces, such as terraces or balconies, that provide opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment of the various weather and landscape.
Swiss houses are known for their embrace of cutting-edge technology. You might find smart home systems that allow residents to control lighting, temperature, security, and other aspects of the house using mobile devices or voice commands.
Swiss craftsmanship is renowned for its precision and attention to detail. Modern Swiss houses often showcase the use of high-quality materials and exceptional craftsmanship in construction and interior and exterior finishes.
Despite the use of large windows, privacy remains a key consideration. Swiss houses may incorporate elements like strategic landscaping, interior window treatments, or opaque glass to ensure privacy when a view is desired.
Modern Swiss houses often incorporate versatile spaces that can serve multiple purposes. For example, a room might be designed to function as a home office during the day and transform into a guest bedroom at night.
These are some of the characteristics you might find in a modern Swiss house. However, it’s worth noting that architectural styles and design preferences can vary, so not all Swiss houses will necessarily incorporate all these elements.
It’s not necessary for your dream to only exist in your head forever. There is a location where you may experience a taste of opulent Swiss living without leaving your home country. Crosswinds is a luxurious, private neighborhood in the center of Tagaytay that gives Swiss luxury to your cravings for Swiss home living. It is a perfect representation of a Swiss Alp experience.
You will have the chance to live out your dream of a Swiss house with Crosswinds Tagaytay. Take advantage of the Crosswinds real estate listings. See the condos that are now on the market and turn your Swiss dream house into a reality.
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