House with an Eye

Studio Anna Jach’s House with an Eye in Zurich is an extension and renovation project that centers around sustainable and efficient construction. Commissioned with a clear brief from the clients, a small family, the Swiss architectural practice has extended the home’s entryway, created additional leisure facilities for both residents and guests, and integrated a vast library to house a collection of over 500 books. With eco-consciousness as its driving force, the expansion seamlessly integrates innovative construction, locally sourced materials, and energy-efficient solutions. The project’s most notable feature is its interactive pine wood facade punctuated with rounded openings that can be left uncovered during the day to infuse the home with natural light, and concealed with movable shutters for shade. The building’s rear facade is further brought to life with the integration of digital art with a programmed 3D shadow relief. CNC-wave-cut vertical planks cast a dynamic shadow of an open eye in the morning and a closed eye in the afternoon, creating an illusion that interacts with its surroundings.