The canton of Graubünden is one of the most extraordinary parts of Switzerland, not only because of its complex cultural tradition – including three official languages – but also because of a landscape of sublime contrast between soaring mountains and deep valleys. In one valley stands Swisshouse XXXV, built by the local architect Davide Macullo, the at once elemental and sophisticated geometry of which resonates with the natural and cultural context, without at any point passing up the opportunity to use a contemporary language and apply new techniques.

The prismatic volume and the faceted roofs are references to popular architecture, and so are the wooden cladding and the terraced stone plinth from which the house rises as if in defiance of gravity. Choreographed in a music-like rhythm, the large glazed openings seek the best views of the valley and peaks, while the planes of the roof, arranged in a seemingly tortuous manner, result from a painstaking design process that has taken into account how the building is perceived in the area.