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 ensemble was completed in 2013 by a third wooden house, the Türmlihus. Unterhus and Türmlihus are now rented as holiday homes.

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 room on the top floor. It is 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.

The houses can accommodate up to five people on three floors. They are exquisitely furnished and include high quality facilities: designer furniture and lamps, teak bathrooms, and a kitchen fitted out with all appliances from steamer to raclette grill. And hiking equipment, such as backpacks, hiking poles or binoculars, is also available in the house.

Pictures: Ralph Feiner