Swiss architects Allen + Crippa have designed ‘House with a Curtain’ in Grabs, Switzerland, within the Rhine Valley offering views of the Prealps. The house spans three floors including a basement, featuring identical floor plans inspired by traditional barn houses of the region. The front section accommodates living and dining spaces alongside a bedroom, while service areas at the rear encompass a bathroom, pantry, and staircase. Internally, partition walls serve dual purposes as built-in storage.
The structure consists of a concrete load-bearing skeleton with prefabricated wood elements for exterior walls, covered by a stretched textile facade for weather protection. Cantilevered floor slabs, with external curtains, offer sun protection and create secluded outdoor spaces. The concrete construction provides thermal mass for internal climate regulation, and rainwater from extensive roof areas is collected for reuse. Photo by Charly Jolliet. Allen + Crippa
