Uster

From Undefined to Refined: A Thoughtful Transformation of a 1980s Single-Family Home

Originally built in the 1980s, this single-family home lacked clear architectural structure—both inside and out—and had visibly aged over time. In a carefully staged, two-phase process, the house underwent a comprehensive renovation, reinterpreted both functionally and aesthetically.

A newly added carport and an unheated winter garden now extend the building outward, seamlessly integrating into the refreshed architectural language. The original load-bearing columns, once purely structural, have been clad in exposed brickwork and now stand as a symbolic tribute to the preserved substance of the house.

The formerly dominant horizontal emphasis of the façade has been visually softened through the introduction of refined glass balustrades, lending the exterior a calmer, more contemporary presence. Inside, the layout was reconfigured to create more private spaces while simultaneously strengthening the connection between indoors and outdoors. Today, the outdoor area feels like a natural extension of the interior life.

What was once an outdated structure has been brought joyfully into the present—with care, clarity, and a deep respect for its architectural roots.

Location: Uster

Client: Privat

Developed: 2021

Architectural service: concept, design & interiordesign