Mixing Materials

Photography by Belen Imaz & Pedro Bermejo

Inspired by the brutalist architecture of the 20th century, Victoria Maria designed the interiors of a 260 m² house in Zurich.

Originnally projected by the Swiss architect Ernst Gisel, the house pays homage to his vision while allowing the art collection to stand on its own, as the clients requested. It was crucial to strike a delicate balance between preserving the architectural heritage of the house and infusing it with a contemporary flair that would enhance the display of the artwork, creating a seamless fusion of past and present.

I was captivated by the unapologetic use of raw, industrial materials and the monumental scale of these structures. Their bold, sculptural forms and honest expression of materials resonated with me deeply, guiding my design journey as I sought to echo their strength and integrity within the interiors of this residence.

In crafting the colour palette and selecting materials for this project, Victoria Maria was driven by the spirit of merging tradition with innovation. By juxtaposing rough, tactile materials such as concrete and aged metals with luxurious textiles and sleek finishes, she aimed to create a sensory experience that was both tangible and visually captivating, inviting the residents to engage with their surroundings. Also inspired by the rugged, textural qualities of Brutalist architecture, she has curated a palette that celebrates earthy tones and rich, deep hues, complemented by unexpected bursts of vibrant colour.

All these characteristics can be seen already upon entering the house where in the living room we find a mix of different materials. Concrete ceiling, original from 1990 designed by Ernst Gisel, has been retained. The softness of the wool and the warmth of the pale dirty pink of the iconic Togo modular sofa by Ligne Roset offset the coolness given by the rustic texolit flooring. Together with the vintage coffee table by Willy Rizzo, the FOS lamp with the concrete base takes up the concept of rawness. Peppi Bottrop's abstract artwork contrasts with Andi Fischer's joyful painting but both have the common characteristic of being noticed at first glance. The pop of color was added by Sara Regal Alonso's red table.

Amidst the expansive layout of this house, the kitchen and dining area are the cherished focal points, infusing the home with a soulful essence. These spaces not only serve as the epicenter of culinary creativity and convivial gatherings but also provide a canvas for expressing the synthesis of form and function. By meticulously choreographing every detail, from the layout of the space to the selection of furnishings and lighting, Victoria Maria sought to create an immersive environment that fostered a sense of warmth, intimacy and connectiona sanctuary where cherished memories would be forged and shared. The kitchen furniture is in polished brass embellished with Buster & Punch handles.

The custom worktop and backsplash are in Pyrolave, French lava stone covered in green enamel; the marble island unit made entirely of emperador dark Spanish marble. A pair of brass shelves (above a small window) and decor pieces add the artistic touch. As for the lighting, no chandeliers or similar were inserted, Victoria Maria opted to put modern LED under-furniture lighting. The dining area next door is a continuation of the kitchen. A custom-made bench along the entire wall accompanies the acrobatic dining table Roger by Victoria Maria which incorporates the same shades of green. Pamela Rosenkranz's wall picture offers a bit of romance while the curtains incorporate some bold colors giving an eclectic touch.

By embracing the unexpected and daring to challenge convention, we transcended the boundaries of time and tradition, weaving a tapestry of design that speaks to the past, present, and future. In doing so, we not only elevated the inherent uniqueness of the space but also imbued it with a timeless allure - a testament to the transformative power of visionary design.

Going down the stairs, downstairs, we find a storage room that reflects the rustic design of the entire house. Here, an original kitchen cabinet from "Unité d'habitation, Briey-en-Foret" - Le Corbusier, has been positioned as a chest of drawers, flanked by a series of decorative elements. The wall facing the outside is made up of a series of white frames with white darkening glass inserts, including the entrance door - this allows natural light to make the entire space well lit.

To the left of the stairs, we find a lounge room that contrasts with the storage room. Both the ceiling and floor are painted cobalt blue while white carpet has been placed on the floor. We immediately come across Roland's digital piano with its matching stool. Steve McQueen's "Pink Nails" wall art is hung above. On the opposite side we find "Doisneau" by Roland Schappert flanked by a pair of brass sconces by Gubi giving it an air of elegance. Custom-made bookcases (also in cobalt blue) have been set in the other two walls; a huge linen sofa with many cushions covered in Pierre Frey velvet fabric complete the room.

On the first floor, the master bedroom has a very simple and minimalist design. Victoria Maria inserted a white carpet that matches the Pierre Frey curtains. The protagonist of the room is the bed with its custom-made warm golden-brown headboard. Next to it, the fiberglass chair designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Vitra acts as a bedside table.

The master bathroom seems to have a richer character given by the Italian Roman travertine that we find inside. The wall picture by Bernd & Hilla Becher was hung above the bathtub. In front, a wall includes the cabinet with the double sink and a custom-made mirror, where the same image can be glimpsed. A large open shower was positioned behind it.

The open office was located on the top floor. The shelving unit was custom-made.