Exterior view of a building with graffiti, wooden cladding, and a glass extension, surrounded by a cobblestone path and tree.

An exterior view of a building with graffiti-covered walls and a wooden structure. The scene includes a cobblestone path, a tree, and balconies with plants. The architecture features a mix of materials and styles, with visible wooden cladding and a modern glass extension.

Wooden structure with stairs and graffiti on walls in an inner courtyard.
Wooden structure with a slanted roof and vertical panels attached to a building with graffiti.
Exterior view of a building with wooden structure and graffiti, surrounded by greenery.
Exterior view of a building with graffiti and blue shutters, surrounded by a courtyard with vegetation.
Wooden structure with blue panels and graffiti-covered walls, featuring a tree in the foreground.
Close-up of a wooden structure featuring a hanging spherical light fixture.
Close-up view of a wooden structure with overlapping panels in light blue and natural wood tones.
Wooden structure with light blue panels and natural wood edges on a stone surface.
Wooden staircase with light blue panels and green graffiti on the wall.
Interior view showing a wooden structure with light-colored panels and a staircase.
Wooden staircase beside a teal door with graffiti, and a stack of firewood on a stone floor.
Architectural model with a stepped design and overhang on a blue background.

Story

A transformative wooden structure in Geneva's iconic squat scene Located at Ilot 13, a site steeped in the history of Geneva's squat movement, this project by Cabinet Architects introduces a new wooden structure that embodies the spirit of transformation. The design provides independent access and an outdoor space to one of the inner courtyard houses. This approach ensures that the structure can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing for the reuse of its components after its initial lifecycle. The architecture deliberately embraces a fragile appearance, akin to ephemeral structures, with precise misalignments that create unexpected interactions between the cladding and the structure. This design choice highlights the transient nature of the space and its capacity for change, echoing the site's legacy of adaptability and transformation.

Design Highlights

Wooden structure designed for easy assembly and disassembly Independent access and outdoor space for courtyard house Deliberate fragile appearance with precise misalignments Emphasizes reuse and adaptability

Key Facts

Client Fondation Camille Martin
Location Geneva, Switzerland
Year 2023–25
Architectural Team Fanny Noël, Diogo Lopes, Noemie Goehry, Xinxuan Yang, Anna Bennador, Margaux Glassey
Photographer Sven Högger

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • cladding: Wooden cladding with precise misalignments.

Materials

  • wood — Structure and cladding.
  • glass — Modern glass extension.
  • metal — Corrugated metal roof.
  • stone — Stone surface and flooring.

Construction / Systems

  • Modular assembly: Designed for easy assembly and disassembly to facilitate reuse.

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: light blue, natural wood tones, green accents
  • Lighting: Minimalistic and modern with a spherical light fixture.

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