Haus Schmid

The construction of the San Bernardino Tunnel meant a

Turning point. Motorway, long-distance traffic and ski area collapsed into the valley

and had a formative influence on the village.

Modernism found its way in and the Schmid house is a symbol of this. Already

the builder Christoph Schmid embodied the future. He was a senior

Engineer during the construction of the San Bernardino Tunnel. The architect came from the

vibrant metropolis of Zurich. Ernst Gisel was one of the most versatile and

outstanding architects in Switzerland after the Second World War.

Instead of imitating a traditional farmhouse, Gisel developed the

of the 1960s, a modern design that nevertheless refers to the landscape

and the local building tradition. The building combines stone and

wood, cleverly uses the terrain and opens with large windows

to the landscape. Particularly striking is the slightly curved

Stair tower, which gives the house an almost sculptural effect. While

historic houses draw their attention especially to the village square and

street, this building is consciously oriented towards nature. It loads

invites you to experience the view, the light and the surroundings. The house

Schmid is considered an important example of the Swiss

Post-war architecture. It shows how Splügen developed without

to forget his roots altogether.