Mestrinaro Architekten

NEW SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSE, Basel-Landschaft (CH)
Nestled between meadows and fruit trees, right next to the old farmhouse, lies a small wooden wonder. A tiny house, reduced to the essentials – and yet full of life. It was custom-designed for a couple seeking a peaceful retreat: minimalist, intentional, and thoughtful.
With this vision, the homeowners approached the architect – they wanted a house that wouldn’t dominate, but instead integrate. A home that speaks the language of the present while continuing the story of its place. The result is a contemporary timber building – clear in form, warm in expression.
The layout tells a story of everyday life and mindfulness. The upper floor is where daily life unfolds – the living space with kitchen, the bedroom, a welcoming entrance hall. Below, in the quiet lower level, are the study, two bathrooms, utility rooms, and a cellar. Both floors open to the garden, creating two outdoor living areas in summer – spaces to breathe, read, and gather.
Light is the quiet protagonist. It moves throughout the day, entering through large windows and skylights, casting shadows and bringing the timber to life. Varying ceiling heights create a rhythm of openness and intimacy – the house feels spacious, despite its compact footprint.
Here, architecture and nature, people and space, merge seamlessly. The clear architectural form opens both inward and outward without imposing. The little house blends gently into the historical village and its surroundings – as if it had always been there.
The architectural form is thus resolved in- and outside, blending perfectly into the historic village to the great satisfaction of both owners and neighbours.