URLAUBSARCHITEKTUR | HOLIDAYARCHITECTURE

Zumthor Vacation Homes

Leis is a hamlet of several old wooden chalets, a white chapel and a small restaurant, located in the mountains above Vals in Graubünden. Here, at 1,500 meters, the internationally renowned architect and Pritzker Prize winner Peter Zumthor built two wooden houses for himself and his wife Annalisa Zumthor: the Oberhus and the Unterhus. The Unterhus has been rented out as a holiday home since 2012. Over three floors, this 150 sq m house offers space for up to five people. The ensemble was joined by a third wooden house, in late 2013, the Türmlihus, which also can be rented as a holiday home for five people. It has 3.5 rooms and the living area of 128 sqm is spread across 3 levels. The houses are exquisitely furnished and feature high quality facilities: designer furniture and lamps, teak bathrooms, and kitchens fitted out with all appliances from a steamer to a raclette grill.

Built of solid wood, the “Leiserhäuser” paint an intimate, homely picture and maintain a warm, cosy indoor climate. Through new construction techniques, Peter Zumthor has managed to incorporate large panoramic windows into their traditional log-style structure. The floor-to-ceiling windows extend from wall to wall and frame the landscape. Each room has spectacular views; especially impressive is the view from the living rooms on the top floor of the houses. They are fully glazed on two sides to create the experience of a closed observation deck. In winter, you can sit by the wood-fired oven and look out at the snow-covered slopes. In summer, you can enjoy a greener view on the sunny terrace or balcony.
Pictures: Ralph Feiner