On a spectacular hillside plot in Aarwangen, Canton Bern, one of Switzerland’s most extraordinary private residences has taken shape – an architectural manifesto that transforms extreme topography into spatial poetry.

The challenge: a narrow, steeply sloping parcel of land tapering into a sharp triangle, yet offering sweeping views across the broad valley below. Out of this unique condition emerged a contemporary villa that unites sculptural precision and luxurious living with functional elegance.

The elongated structure follows the site boundaries, translating the natural contours into architectural form. Closed and monolithic toward the slope, the house is entered on the ground floor – a loft-like space merging cooking, dining, and living. A freestanding fireplace subtly zones the interior and introduces its material presence into the room.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing creates a play of transparency and reflection, flooding the spaces with light and opening them toward the view, the pool, and the generous terraces. In the pointed tip of the building lies an intimate workspace – from the outside, this slender façade appears as a steadfast tower, defining the villa’s iconic silhouette.

Facing the valley, the long side impresses with a faceted glass façade. This folded geometry lends rhythm to the elevation, modulates light and shadow, expands the outdoor spaces, and frames differentiated views.

The lower level accommodates several spacious garages, a custom-designed wardrobe area, and a fully equipped fitness suite – a contemporary interpretation of luxury living embracing every aspect of modern lifestyle. On the upper floor, fully glazed private rooms continue the dialogue of transparency. An outlook terrace extending from the master bedroom connects intimacy with openness, offering a serene spot for evening relaxation.

The project evolved from our holistic planning approach, in which architecture, interior design, lighting, and landscape are conceived as a unified whole. Every detail – from urban composition and material selection to light choreography, pool, and terraces – was developed as part of a coherent total work. This holistic methodology fuses local identity with international design excellence, creating exclusive residential architecture that combines functional clarity with emotional resonance.

Villa Hulliger received the renowned “Häuser des Jahres” award by Callwey Verlag and was selected among the Top 50 single-family homes in the German-speaking region – a recognition that celebrates the courage to realize uncompromising, iconic architecture on challenging terrain.