Wohnhaus Ginkgo by on3 architekten
This concrete house in Switzerland by Basel studio on3 architekten has gabled end walls that appear folded along central vertical seams (+slideshow).
![Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Wohnhaus-Gingko-by-on3-architekten_4.jpg)
An exposed concrete staircase connects the three storeys of Wohnhaus Ginkgo and is suspended behind a balustrade of taught wires between the two upper floors.
![Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Wohnhaus-Gingko-by-on3-architekten_10.jpg)
A large dormer window increases the amount of inhabitable space on the top floor, which overlooks the corridor on the floor below.
![Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Wohnhaus-Gingko-by-on3-architekten_9.jpg)
Other Swiss houses on Dezeen include a holiday home in the Alps and a renovated farm building.
![Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Wohnhaus-Gingko-by-on3-architekten_7.jpg)
See more houses in Switzerland »
![Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Wohnhaus-Gingko-by-on3-architekten_8.jpg)
Photography is by Börje Müller.
![Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Wohnhaus-Gingko-by-on3-architekten_5.jpg)
The text below is from on3 architekten:
House Ginkgo
The house is located in the center of Oberwil, in the north of Switzerland.
![Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Wohnhaus-Gingko-by-on3-architekten_3.jpg)
The neighbourhood is designed by older one family houses and small stores. Due to its geometry, the house offers an unconventional floor plan with comfort, flexibility and space to move.
![Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Wohnhaus-Gingko-by-on3-architekten_6.jpg)
As the rooms are linked and correspond to each other, they are ideal for family life with space for individual creativity.
![Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Wohnhaus-Gingko-by-on3-architekten_square.jpg)
The open kitchen and the living room, which are on the same level as the terrace in the garden, form one area.
![Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Wohnhaus-Gingko-by-on3-architekten_2.jpg)
A large glass facade is the only separation between the interior and the external space. The two upper floors offer private rooms, seperated by sliding doors.
![Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Wohnhaus-Gingko-by-on3-architekten_11.gif)
Site plan- click above for larger image
The gallery in the attic gives a wonderful view over the roofs of Oberwil and completes the concept of the flexible and open floor plans. The centre of the house is a stair made of exposed concrete.
![Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Wohnhaus-Gingko-by-on3-architekten_15.gif)
Ground floor plan- click above for larger image
It connects the house in the vertical.
![Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Wohnhaus-Gingko-by-on3-architekten_16.gif)
First floor plan- click above for larger image
The robust and massive concrete sets a contrast to the fine, light white oak parquet floor.
![Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Wohnhaus-Gingko-by-on3-architekten_14.gif)
Second floor plan- click above for larger image
A special feature of the house is the frameless, partly room-high glazing.
![Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Wohnhaus-Gingko-by-on3-architekten_13.gif)
Longitudinal section- click above for larger image
Thematically, they are used in every room and open the house to the external space. Thus, the rooms receive a generous, light and friendly atmosphere.
![Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten Wohnhaus Gingko by on3 architekten](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Wohnhaus-Gingko-by-on3-architekten_12.gif)
Cross section- click above for larger image