Project MARI is the result of a conscious decision by the clients to downsize and embrace sustainable, future-oriented living. With grown children who have moved out and a lifestyle that includes frequent travel abroad, the residents – both in their 70s – chose to fulfill their dream: a new-build home constructed entirely from CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber). This wooden house combines a warm aesthetic with environmentally friendly building techniques.
The design prioritizes lifelong living. The focus is on ground-floor functionality, allowing the residents to live entirely on one level if needed in the future. Flexibility is central to the design: with an intelligent layout featuring an internal patio and strategically positioned windows, the home fosters visual connections between spaces, enabling both togetherness and individual privacy.
The plot – smaller and more densely built than the clients were accustomed to – presented specific challenges. By orienting the house primarily towards the backyard and creating an inward focus through the patio, the design optimizes natural light while avoiding unwanted views from or toward the neighbors. Extended walls on the upper floor ensure privacy despite large window openings.
Inside, the CLT structure has been left fully exposed, as per the clients' wishes. The interior is thoughtfully and compactly designed, with no wasted circulation space. Specific rooms, such as a music room for the piano and cello – which can later serve as a bedroom – highlight how the design accommodates the personal needs of the residents.
The architecture avoids a standard "modern" appearance through additions such as a covered terrace, a carport, and a bicycle storage area. The home strikes a subtle balance between modernity and timelessness, with finishes in natural stone and parquet flooring. The custom interior exudes understated luxury, complemented by the residents' personal décor.
Project MARI is more than a house: it is a thoughtfully designed and inviting sanctuary that combines lifelong comfort, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal.
