Faceted house by Daluz Gonzalez Architekten features nest-like roof terrace
Swiss firm Daluz Gonzalez Architekten has set a nest-like terrace into the roof of an angular house it has completed in a forest near Basel, Switzerland (+ slideshow).
![Casa Forest by Daluz Gonzalez Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/07/Casa-Forest_Daluz-Gonzalez-Architekten_dezeen_936_16.jpg)
The Zurich studio, which is led by Juan González and Rubén Daluz, was asked to design the home for a family of five with a keen interest in nature. They call it Casa Forest.
![Casa Forest by Daluz Gonzalez Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/07/Casa-Forest_Daluz-Gonzalez-Architekten_dezeen_936_0.jpg)
The clients wanted to make the most of their scenic plot, which is bordered to the east and south by deciduous trees.
The architects responded by designing a faceted form, to create an assortment of views facing the woods. They also created a generous roof terrace.
![Casa Forest by Daluz Gonzalez Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/07/Casa-Forest_Daluz-Gonzalez-Architekten_dezeen_936_13.jpg)
"Breathtaking views into the dense, deep-green foliage in the summer and the leafless and airy branch structure in the winter were a decisive factor in calibrating the daylight and arranging the spaces in this home," said González and Daluz.
"The wishes and the spatial programme envisaged by a family of five nature enthusiasts and art lovers could thus be strategically integrated into a compact crystalline sculpture – utilising the plot right to the boundary line."
![Casa Forest by Daluz Gonzalez Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/07/Casa-Forest_Daluz-Gonzalez-Architekten_dezeen_936_15.jpg)
The crystalline form is clad with dark, mottled ceramic panels, intended to help the building harmonise with its natural surroundings.
JM Architecture applied a similar technique to another house in the Swiss Alps, which is enveloped in mottled grey tiles that match the tones found in the mountainous terrain.
![Casa Forest by Daluz Gonzalez Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/07/Casa-Forest_Daluz-Gonzalez-Architekten_dezeen_936_10.jpg)
"The earth-coloured exterior skin and angular volumetry of the building engage in an ongoing dialogue with the natural environment, constantly seeking to both contrast and harmonise with nature," said the architects.
![Casa Forest by Daluz Gonzalez Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/07/Casa-Forest_Daluz-Gonzalez-Architekten_dezeen_936_9.jpg)
While the outside of Casa Forest seeks to match its environment, the concrete structure has been left exposed on the inside in an bid to focus attention outdoors.
![Casa Forest by Daluz Gonzalez Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/07/Casa-Forest_Daluz-Gonzalez-Architekten_dezeen_936_8.jpg)
A double-height space is located in the centre of the residence, visually connecting the ground floor dining area and kitchen with a lounge set on the upper floor.
![Casa Forest by Daluz Gonzalez Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/07/Casa-Forest_Daluz-Gonzalez-Architekten_dezeen_936_5.jpg)
A pair of bedrooms and bathrooms flank these primary living spaces on the ground and first floor, while utility rooms are situated in the basement.
![Casa Forest by Daluz Gonzalez Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/07/Casa-Forest_Daluz-Gonzalez-Architekten_dezeen_936_7.jpg)
The bedroom walls are covered in polished, waxed plaster. This creates a reflective surface that differentiates them from the socialising areas.
Built-in oak furniture contributes to the sparse aesthetic, and adds a warmth to contrast the austere concrete.
![Casa Forest by Daluz Gonzalez Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/07/Casa-Forest_Daluz-Gonzalez-Architekten_dezeen_936_6.jpg)
"The central high hallway is part of every room sequence, connecting them all visually," said the architects. "The living room floats like a bird's nest between branches."
![Casa Forest by Daluz Gonzalez Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/07/Casa-Forest_Daluz-Gonzalez-Architekten_dezeen_936_1.jpg)
Oak also form the treads of the stairs that connect all three floors, and lead to the rooftop terrace.
Photography is by Alexandra Kreja and Philippe Wiget.
Project credits:
Architects: Daluz Gonzalez Architekten
Landscape architects: Manos Tsolakis, Cadrage
Interior architecture: Daluz Gonzalez Architekten
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![Casa Forest by Daluz Gonzalez Architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/07/Casa-Forest_Daluz-Gonzalez-Architekten_dezeen_basement_1.gif)
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