Appenzell, Switzerland

Residential

The Villa Fernblick project is nominated for the prestigious SBID Awards in the “Ultra-Luxury Residential Property – Europe” category in the “Interior Design” section.

A MODERN INTERPRETATION OF THE TRADITIONAL APPENZELL GARDEN

The Appenzell landscape is characterized by the Alpstein mountain and the hilly landscape with its successions of forest, pasture, meadows, and farms. As an interface between landscape and house, typical garden components have developed over the centuries in the surroundings of the farm, which can be described as Appenzell Gardens. The property, is located on a slope giving vast views and is protected by the forest behind it. It borders directly on an agricultural zone with lush green meadows and fruit trees.

Photo: Martin Rütschi

We were faced with the task of harmoniously connecting the three new buildings and integrating them into the existing surroundings. The spirit of the place – or Genius Loci – guided the conception of our design. The sloping terrain presented another challenge in the planning of the outdoor spaces.
Enzo Enea drew inspiration from the classic Appenzell Garden, where garden elements around the house build the typical gardens of the region. One element is the courtyard garden. They are characterized by the ‘Trüeter’, or fruit trellis, in combination with a fountain or a bench. The magnolia tree connects the courtyard garden with the guest house. The tree forms a natural roof over time and creates a pleasant microclimate with shade in the garden. The ‘weather’ tree, a beautiful existing maple tree, is also a characteristic part of this courtyard garden. Located directly next to the house, it served as a lightning rod in the past. We integrated the existing trees and added domestic trees in the design. By planting pine trees, we created a connection to the neighboring forest.

Another element of the Appenzell Garden is the so-called ‘Geviert’, which was staged here as a front garden. This fenced-in kitchen and flower garden was supplemented with fruit trees and forms the perfect transition to the adjacent agricultural zone. In the garden, raised beds were installed to grow vegetables and aromatic herbs. Another highlight of the vegetable garden is the tailor-made tomato house, designed by Enea and built in the company owned joiner’s workshop. Additionally, a perennial bed was installed, and berries were planted to promote biodiversity.

The water garden adjoins the courtyard garden and invites visitors to linger. The natural pond made of quartzite stone from Vals was embedded in the garden as a water element sculpture. The terracing of the property creates different levels, which are harmoniously connected by the planting of yew trees on the slope. On the one hand, the yew protects the architecture on the north side as a forest edge plant, and on the other hand, it underlines and frames the soft Appenzell landscape on the south side.

A circular path leads around all three buildings. This path was bordered with a wild hedge and forms the closure to the outside. At the same time, the wild hedge provides a valuable habitat for songbirds. By consistently planting the gardens with native plants, they contribute to biodiversity. They attract bees and butterflies, which find ideal conditions here to thrive.

Architectural office: Sito Architekten GmbH
Lighting design: Lichtkompetenz GmbH
Architectural concept, interior design, interior & exterior furnishings: Ina Rinderknecht interior design