The small community of Chexbres is located around 200m above Lake Geneva, surrounded by vineyards. In the 19th century, the town developed into a resort which, with its proximity to Lake Geneva, its chapel with remarkable stained glass paintings, and its characteristic wine-growing houses, is hard to beat in charm and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Numerous artists, such as Ferdinand Hodler, Marcel Duchamp and LeCorbusier, felt at home in the picturesque village and use its inspiring alpine panorama for their works of art.
Villa La Haut is located right on the Balcon du Monde. With a wonderful view over the lake and the alpine panorama, it was built here in 1937 by the painter and cartoonist Rolf Roth, born in Soluthurn, in typical regional construction, who lived and worked here with his wife for over 40 years.
After the artist's death, the house stood empty for a long time and therefore had to be completely renovated. Fortunately, the object found a new lover who wanted to give it new splendor. The Swiss woman took care of Villa La Haut and had it together with the Düsseldorf-based architecture firm Hypothesis lovingly renovated by Achim Schmitz.
The renovation concept here was not intended to be a reconstruction of the state of 1937, but should preserve memories of his artistic past and take up the new owner's affinity for design. Cement tiles had already been installed in the house, but their condition was in need of renovation. The choice to replace the floor coverings fell on our Mosáico collection by artist Jakob Hentze. This decision is very understandable, as the former cement tiles are associated with an artist from today and the large selection of colors also meant that the desire to take up the colors of the alpine panorama was easy.
The soft colors of the cement tiles are suitably combined with dark smoked oak flooring and successfully contrasted with modern, straight-lined furniture.
Have a look at the Documentation from the Hypothesis Architectural Office, which specializes in renovation concepts for such interesting, historic buildings, about this wonderful project in the Swiss Alps.
We are looking forward to further great collaboration with Achim Schmitz, great projects and new stories, which we will not withhold from you, dear readers. Be excited!