The plot in Thalwil, nestled into the gentle slope between the railway tracks, presents an exceptional opportunity to architecturally engage with the unique topography of the left bank of Lake Zurich. The east-facing orientation offers an impressive lake panorama, while the southwestern position ensures optimal conditions for intensive sunlight. To fully realize the inherent potential of this location, the typology of the semi-detached house was chosen as the architectural response.

The conceptual design principle embraces the idea of vertical layering, utilizing double-height spaces to maximize both the lake view and the quality of light in the mountainside rooms. The access via a meticulously designed front garden creates a multi-layered spatial experience, serving as a transitional space between the exterior and the residential interior. The spatial structure, organized across four levels, offers a sequence of generous outdoor areas—from gardens to balconies and terraces—thus establishing a fluid interplay between interior and exterior spaces.

The dual façade design embodies the central architectural motif: an inner façade provides a sense of security and privacy, while the outer façade structure acts as an acoustic buffer against the noise from the railway and simultaneously formulates a sculptural response to the surroundings. This double-layered façade concept transforms functionality into an aesthetically sophisticated statement, reflecting the contextual complexity of the site.

The spatial organization evolves into a narrative experience: the sequence of spaces is staged dramaturgically, developing a coherent spatial storyline that guides the visitor through a dynamic choreography of interior and exterior realms. This spatial dramaturgy intensifies the perception of the location and reinforces the symbiotic relationship with the surrounding landscape.

The minimalist, clearly defined aesthetic manifests in the rhythmic arrangement of horizontal and vertical architectural elements, producing a façade composition that is both rigorous and lively. Large-format glazing acts as a permeable membrane, flooding the interior with light and fostering a visual dialogue with the surroundings.

A subtly designed wall delineates the ground floor into public and private zones, offering not only structural stability but also a design orientation that accentuates the building's horizontal articulation. The architectural language strives for a synthesis of conceptual clarity, functional efficiency, and contextual sensitivity, illustrating how the reduction to essential elements generates an expressive quality that is both rational and emotionally resonant.

The courtyard, as an integral part of the design, serves as a spatial interface between architecture and nature. Framed by a clear, minimalist façade characterized by intentional material selection and linearity, it represents the interplay of openness and demarcation. Transparent and semi-transparent glass elements facilitate an expanded perception of space, where the interior and exterior worlds engage in a continuous dialogue.

A central, organically grown element—a tree in the courtyard—embodies the symbiosis of nature and architecture, creating a serene, contemplative atmosphere that softens the rigidity of the surrounding geometry. It stands as a metaphor for the living aspect within the architectural context, establishing a harmonious connection between protection and openness, interior and exterior.

Inside, a double-height bookshelf structure emphasizes the vertical dimension of the space, making an intellectual statement that defines the room as a place of reflection and cultural engagement. Exposed concrete surfaces on ceilings and balconies lend the space a cool, industrial elegance, standing in deliberate contrast to the warm, tactile materiality of the bookshelves.

The spatial design conveys a sense of openness and communicative vitality by bringing horizontal and vertical spatial relationships into a fluid dialogue. This spatial conception facilitates a flexible yet structured living experience, reflecting the multifaceted nature of modern lifestyles. The interior design manifests a synthesis of aesthetic clarity, functional rationality, and intellectual depth, embodying the principles of an architecture that transforms transparency, minimalism, and flexibility into an inviting residential atmosphere, placing the well-being of its residents at the forefront.

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