Sunlit Home in Ouchy – Part 1

A general design consult for a compact apartment with panoramic views

Ouchy

Switzerland

Client Overview and Design Brief

This project began in a way that was both unexpected and refreshingly modern. A highly accomplished mathematician reached out to us after discovering our studio through a simple Google search. This was a unique experience for us: most of our clients find us through past collaborations, word of mouth, or after seeing one of our completed projects in person. But in this case, there was no introduction, no intermediary — just a digital discovery followed by a direct message asking for a design consultation.

At the time, the client, a renowned mathematician splitting time between two cities, had just purchased a small but perfectly situated apartment with extraordinary panoramic views. The property was intended to serve as a functional base for professional engagements in the region. Though compact in scale, the apartment offered architectural potential and emotional resonance. The client expressed a desire for something highly elegant — a space that would feel intelligent, efficient, and emotionally grounding.
From the very first conversation, it became clear that we were speaking the same language — one of clarity, balance, and meaningful restraint.

Project Objectives

During the initial consultation, the client approached us with a broad, exploratory mindset. The primary objective was to gather professional guidance on how to elevate a one-bedroom apartment with exceptional views — both indoors and outdoors — without committing to a full redesign at that stage.

Key discussion points included:

Exploring design possibilities for the terrace to enhance its usability and connection to the panoramic landscape.

Identifying potential interventions within the living area to improve comfort, visual clarity, and spatial flow while maintaining a sense of restraint appropriate to the apartment’s scale.

As the conversation progressed, the scope naturally expanded. The client expressed a desire to upgrade the existing smart electrical infrastructure to a more advanced and flexible system, KNX, aligning the apartment with higher technological standards and long-term adaptability. In parallel, a very specific functional need emerged: the design of a compact yet elegant custom storage cabinet for the WC — combining discreet organization with refined detailing in an extremely limited footprint.

The objective of this first stage was therefore not to redesign the apartment in its entirety, but to establish a clear strategic direction — identifying targeted, high-impact design and technical interventions that could incrementally elevate the space while respecting its size, purpose, and architectural potential.

Design Approach

Our approach to this first phase was guided by clarity and precision — offering the client not only aesthetic insights but also structural and financial foresight from the outset.

We began by preparing a preliminary budget framework for the various interventions discussed without the need for immediate contractor involvement.

Recognizing the client’s interest in a more advanced home automation system, we initiated contact with a KNX-integrated electrical specialist, ensuring both technical compatibility and scalability. This step marked a shift from exploratory design into implementation readiness, aligning the project with long-term functionality and digital infrastructure expectations.

In parallel, we coordinated and resolved a series of minor but essential interior updates — including repairs and fine-tuning of existing kitchen cabinetry, adjustment of built-in elements, and consultation on functional storage improvements. These small interventions were executed with the same level of attention we apply to large-scale work, reinforcing our client-first ethos and helping the space operate more smoothly day-to-day.

Overall, the design approach in this phase was not to create a new space, but to upgrade and fine-tune an already promising one — ensuring that every intervention, however small, served the client's high standards and long-term comfort.

Implementation Considerations

As the client was residing in another city during this phase, our responsibility extended beyond design consultation to on-site coordination and decision-making support. Every step — from minor repairs to technical preparation — was carried out with meticulous attention to detail and a strong emphasis on client comfort.

One of the key priorities was ensuring that all groundwork and adjustments could be completed with minimal disruption and maximum efficiency, so the space would be fully ready for use upon the client’s return. We coordinated communications and scheduling across all involved parties, providing regular updates and visual documentation to keep the client informed without requiring their physical presence.

Particular care was taken in organizing and executing minor works within the apartment — such as the adjustment of kitchen cabinetry, inspection of joinery elements, and preparation of infrastructure for the upcoming KNX system integration. Even the smallest changes were implemented with architectural sensitivity, ensuring consistency in form, function, and material finish.

Throughout this phase, our guiding principle was precision, discretion, and anticipation: managing the space as if it were already in daily use, anticipating the client’s needs before they arise, and ensuring that the transition from concept to completion felt seamless.

Outcome

What began as a single consultation evolved into a deeply collaborative and multi-phase engagement. The success of this initial stage — built on trust, discretion, and precise execution — laid the foundation for a broader relationship with the client.
The client’s satisfaction with the quality, responsiveness, and attention to detail prompted them to expand the scope of the project significantly — entrusting us with the design of additional parts and new strategic decisions within the apartment.