Exterior view of a building with graffiti, wooden cladding, and a glass extension, surrounded by a cobblestone path and tree.

An exterior view of a building with graffiti-covered walls and a wooden structure. The scene includes a cobblestone path, a tree, and balconies with plants. The architecture features a mix of materials and styles, with visible wooden cladding and a modern glass extension.

A wooden structure with independent access in an inner courtyard, featuring graffiti on adjacent walls.
A wooden structure with a slanted roof and vertical panels attached to an older building with graffiti on the walls.
An exterior view of a building with a wooden structure providing access to an inner courtyard. The scene includes graffiti on the walls, a staircase, and surrounding greenery.
An exterior view of a building with graffiti-covered walls and blue window shutters. The scene includes a small courtyard with overgrown vegetation and a tree in the foreground. The building's facade shows signs of wear, and there are multiple stories with balconies visible.
A wooden structure with blue panels and a corrugated metal roof is attached to a building with graffiti on the walls. A tree is in the foreground, and there are blue shutters on the windows.
Detail of a wooden structure with a spherical light fixture hanging from a beam.
Close-up view of a wooden structure with overlapping panels.
Close-up view of a wooden structure with light blue panels and natural wood edges, set on a stone surface.
A wooden staircase with light blue panels and green accents, adjacent to a wall with green graffiti.
Interior view of a wooden structure with light-colored panels and a staircase.
A wooden staircase next to a teal door with graffiti, and a pile of firewood on a stone floor.
A minimalist architectural model featuring a stepped structure with a small overhang, set against a blue background.

Story

A transformative wooden structure in Geneva's iconic squat scene Located at Ilot 13, a site steeped in the history of Geneva's squat movement, this project by Cabinet Architects introduces a new wooden structure that embodies the spirit of transformation. The design provides independent access and an outdoor space to one of the inner courtyard houses. This approach ensures that the structure can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing for the reuse of its components after its initial lifecycle. The architecture deliberately embraces a fragile appearance, akin to ephemeral structures, with precise misalignments that create unexpected interactions between the cladding and the structure. This design choice highlights the transient nature of the space and its capacity for change, echoing the site's legacy of adaptability and transformation.

## Design Highlights

Wooden structure designed for easy assembly and disassembly Independent access and outdoor space for courtyard house Deliberate fragile appearance with precise misalignments Emphasizes reuse and adaptability

## Key Facts

Client Fondation Camille Martin
Location Geneva, Switzerland
Year 2023–25
Architectural Team Fanny Noël, Diogo Lopes, Noemie Goehry, Xinxuan Yang, Anna Bennador, Margaux Glassey
Photographer Sven Högger

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • cladding: Wooden cladding with precise misalignments.

Materials

  • wood — Structure and cladding.
  • glass — Modern glass extension.
  • metal — Corrugated metal roof.
  • stone — Stone surface and flooring.

Construction / Systems

  • Modular assembly: Designed for easy assembly and disassembly to facilitate reuse.

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: light blue, natural wood tones, green accents
  • Lighting: Minimalistic and modern with a spherical light fixture.

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