DREAM TEAM

Jaggi belongs to Gstaad much like cheese and luxury watches. Two members of the renowned architectural firm’s dream team of three, namely Urs Kunz (UK) and Klaus Breuninger (KB) recently agreed to take time out from their busy schedule for an interview with Art of Snow.

The three have been bringing their experience base to Jaggi for decades. They took over the firm from founder Stephan Jaggi around ten years ago. With three partners at the helm and working in close collaboration with one another, every client is spoilt for choice with three entrepreneurs and the skill sets that come with them.

Who is responsible for what? UK: Elisabeth Wampfler is head of architecture, Klaus Breuninger is responsible for interior design and I’m in charge of planning and construction management. KB: Today when going into any meeting with the client, ideas, sketches, plans and costs must be readily available – a strength that up to 30 years of expertise brings to the table.

Who is the first port of call? KB: It will depend on the project although client wishes can change in the course of it. You could begin with renovating a bathroom and end up building a whole new storey.

What projects have stood out for Jaggi? UK: Beginning with the new construction of Hotel Park Gstaad, others that stand out are our involvement in hotel projects like the five-star Lenkerhof and Ermitage establishments in Schönried and more recently the Spitzhorn, as well as the newest five-star superior Hotel Alpina in Gstaad, not to mention new constructions like the Gstaad Airport and the valley and mountain station of Saanersloch cable car.

So you’re operational throughout Switzerland? KB: That’s right. UK: But we’ve also had great follow-up projects abroad. For example, a client for whom we successfully developed his chalet in Gstaad ultimately also entrusted us with his villa in Frankfurt and his finca in Mallorca. They’re set on Swiss quality and the honesty we bring with it!

You were responsible for the spa in the 5-star Hotel ALPINA? UK: We were responsible for the entire project. The builders brought in the world-renowned Six Senses Spa group. KB: They had their very own brief and it was up to us to create a fusion of Thai and alpine elements. An honour and very enriching for us all!

The language factor? KB: It’s not a big deal. We’re used to dealing with projects in French and English. UK: What it really comes down to is planning everything to the minutest details so everyone knows exactly where they stand.

Involving lighting experts? KB: It’s an area where the world is your oyster. As interior designer I go by “light follows design” and not the reverse. Ever since the widespread deployment of LEDs, lighting often tends to overshoot the mark.

What about artisanship? UK: It’s a huge topic. Custom-made is in high demand be it woodwork or metal… we can source all of it.

How has the design of chalets evolved? KB: In the past 20 years the old wood trend has intensified. Wood with a natural finish makes for a timeless look that has great appeal. Currently the straight lines trend is moving towards more decorative custom-made elements. We don’t impose a style instead we try to support the client’s wishes and fulfil these with the resources we have available to us: be it about historicising the interior of a building or about… UK: … a glass lift in a timber building! All the while ensuring that the hallmark of the location, that is to say the alpine stamp is on what we do.

What about the need for speed? UK: The project that stands out here is Gstaad Airport. Not visible from outside, hidden in the inside was a wooden structure, with beams up to 34 m in length. The project was achieved in less than a year. This affinity for wood and a functional minimal infrastructure is in all likelihood what also brought us the Architectural Trophy sponsored Skiareatest for newly constructing the valley and montain station of the Saanersloch cable car.

The best thing about your profession? UK: When the client feels at ease. KB: And every client is different, some completely put their trust in us and let us do our thing. Others need more interaction and it becomes that closely-knit interplay of ideas between the Jaggi team and client that we thrive on.

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JAGGI ARCHITEKTUR & INNENARCHITEKTUR | 3780 GSTAAD | SWITZERLAND