A classy stage
The Andermatt holiday region, centrally located in the Swiss Alps, offers a natural paradise at the foot of the Gotthard Pass: four springs flow from the massif, and the intersection of the high valley's pass routes offers many hiking trails. “Of all the places I know, this is the one I love and find most interesting,” summarized Johann Wolfgang von Goethe after his travels to the Ursern Valley in the late 18th century. The Vera apartment building has been constructed in this idyllic landscape, offering guests nine residences, penthouse apartments, and a special atmosphere. As a modern interpretation of a traditional Swiss chalet, CAS Architektur AG, atelier oï, and Bauwerk Parkett have developed a holistic concept that reflects the harmony of the natural environment and sets an example for sustainable construction. The Minergie-certified building is constructed using local materials, such as natural stone for the base.
Wood also plays a key role in the Vera apartment building: the light, golden façade blends in perfectly with the architecture of the neighborhood. Deep window reveals and dark shutters create an exciting color contrast that gives the building a sense of depth. The spaciousness of the open floor plans inside is characterized by the unique wood grain of the “Spinpark” parquet collection from Bauwerk Parkett, which was developed in collaboration with the architectural firm atelier oï. “Our own design perspective and their deep understanding of wood have helped to reinvent typologies and develop innovative patterns,” says Aurel Aebi, co-founder of atelier oï.
The two-layer oak parquet from Bauwerk Parkett is manufactured for a flat appearance without chamfers and features a new cutting technique: while the top layers of conventional floorboards are cut in the direction of the wood grain, with “Spinpark” the wood grain is rotated 45 degrees to the parquet floorboard, creating an unusual aesthetic. “With its diverse color palette and delicate patterns, the parquet format naturally creates a frame that enriches the environment,” says Aebi. Many compositions are possible for installation—in the Vera apartment building, ‘Spinpark’ was installed in the color shade natural oak and in a chevron pattern. Thanks to advanced technology, this can already be achieved with parallel installation.
“Cleverpark 900” was also chosen for the stairs, another healthy wood from controlled sources that is suitable for sustainable building standards. The combination of Swiss engineering and genuine nature has a positive effect on the well-being of guests: Bauwerk Parkett's naturally oiled real wood flooring bears the ecobau and French VOC labels and has been successfully tested by the eco-Institut, among others. The natural character is also reflected in the pine wood interior fittings and in the furniture and accessories collection designed by atelier oï. The result is a total work of art that combines modern perspectives with traditional craftsmanship.
