Caloz Bramois House: A New Typology for Two-Unit Housing by R2A Architectes

About the Project

The Caloz Bramois house is located in Bramois, on the outskirts of Sion, Switzerland. This is a private two-unit house designed by R2A Architectes. The project is deliberately set against the standard typology of paired houses common in low-rise residential areas—the standardized cubic block.

Architectural Approach

Instead of a closed volume, the architects propose an “open” structural system. In the center of the house is a dense core that handles all engineering and service functions, while the periphery is freed for living spaces. This makes it possible to push the boundaries of the house outward and create a more flexible connection with the site.

Two Ways of Connecting with the Ground

The key idea of the project is an exploration of two opposing yet complementary strategies of contact with the ground: immersion and overhang. One part of the house literally cuts into the terrain, while the other hovers above it. This technique creates different scenarios for perceiving the house and the landscape, and also addresses issues of privacy and sunlight exposure.

Structural System

The dense core acts as the load-bearing and service backbone. Thanks to it, the perimeter becomes free and can be glazed or opened to the outside. This sets the project apart from typical paired houses, where all functions are rigidly distributed within a rectangular volume.

Significance for Practice

The Caloz Bramois project demonstrates how the typology of two-unit housing can be rethought through a simple structural device. In the context of growing demand for individual housing with a high-quality living environment, such solutions offer an alternative to standard developments while preserving economic efficiency.