House In Shape Tunnel - Villa Vals
Villa Vals is designed by Bjarne Mastenbroek and Christian Müller, respectively of the architectural offices SeARCH and CMA. Their design plan was to completely integrate the villa into the landscape to avoid disturbing the unspoiled nature. That is why access to the villa is only possible via the nearby wooden Graubünder shed, through an underground tunnel which runs straight through the mountainside. The façade of the house is slightly slanted, adding to the view of the mountain scenery across the valley opposite of the house. The house, which was completed in 2009, was built and furnished in cooperation with a large number of Dutch designers and companies that produce Dutch design. Their willful designs fit well in the spacious, industrial architecture of the villa. Pieces and objects of, amongst others, Hella Jongerius, Demakersvan, Scholten & Baijings, Marcel Wanders, Claudy Jongstra, Royal Tichelaar Makkum and Vitra Nederland were used.
The villa is fully embedded in the landscape. Access is provided via an existing wooden barn, located on a lower level of the mountain. An underground tunnel, slightly absurd, will lead to the main programme situated in a circular cut made in the mountain slope. The presence of the villa in the landscape is thus limited to minimum. The view from the villa looks over the narrow mount valley of Vals and its dramatic surrounding scenery. The villa is developed with the support of the local authority and is being realized with local manpower. With the ability, experience and technique deriving from a remote mountain village. Hardly any details are being drawn in advance. The design of the building and the realization of it as a simultaneous happening.
