Tag: vals | ArchDaily

The Alchemy of Mass: Peter Zumthor and the Perception of Lightness

Valentina Díaz — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Architecture begins as an encounter with gravity. It is the ancient act of placing weight upon the earth, of persuading matter to stand, hold, and shelter. Within this fundamental condition of heaviness, however, lies a quieter possibility: density itself can generate a sense of lightness—a perceptual condition in which the body, fully convinced of matter's weight, begins to experience space as suspension.

Locality, Legality, and Limiting Landscapes: The Story Behind Switzerland’s Villa Vals

Dima Stouhi — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 04:00:00 +0000

The rustic village of Vals in the Swiss Alps is one of the country’s most picturesque areas, located at an altitude of 1250 meters above sea level with numerous exceptional projects. The main square is surrounded by original Vals houses roofed with stone tiles made of Vals quartzite. Throughout the years, the village maintained its authentic residential and rural typology, making sure that its agriculture and rural fabric remained intact. Perhaps the most powerful natural resource of the Vals Valley, one that has nurtured its landscape and wilderness, is the water. For millions of years, ice and rain have forged the deeply-cut topography, and provided the village with a 30-degree thermal source, the only one in the Grisons Canton which springs straight from the ground.

Exploring Haus Balma by Kengo Kuma Architects in Vals, Switzerland Through the Lens of Paul Clemence

Nour Fakharany — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 05:30:00 +0000

In his latest photo series, Paul Clemence captures Haus Balma, a residential and commercial building designed by Kengo Kuma Architects. Situated in Vals, at the foothills of the Graubünden Mountains, the building was designed for Truffer AG, a family business founded in 1983, specializing in processed Valser quarzite stone slabs. Typically used as a flooring and roofing material, many architects have used quartzite stones in this region, including Peter Zumthor in his Therme Vals, Norman Foster, and Philippe Stark.

Arne Emerson of Morphosis on the New Tower in Vals

Design:ED — Sat, 28 Dec 2019 07:35:00 +0000

Design:ED Podcast is an inside look into the field of architecture told from the perspective of individuals that are leading the industry. This motivational series grants unique insight into the making of a successful design career, from humble beginnings to worldwide recognition. Every week, featured guests share their personal highs and lows on their journey to success, that is sure to inspire audiences at all levels of the industry. Listening to their stories will provide a rare blueprint for anyone seeking to advance their career, and elevate their work to the next level.

Thom Mayne, Ando, Kuma & Zumthor Contribute Rooms for "House of Architects" Hotel in Vals

Patrick Lynch — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 12:00:00 +0000

Four top architects – Thom Mayne (Morphosis), Tadao Ando, Kengo Kuma and Peter Zumthor – have been tapped to contribute designs for the new “House of Architects” at the 7132 Hotel in Vals Switzerland. The latest addition to the hotel, The House of Architects features a lobby and entrance also designed by Morphosis Architects, and 7 room designs centered around a single material.

Peter Zumthor's Therme Vals Through the Lens of Fernando Guerra

Eduardo Souza — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 09:30:00 +0000

In this stunning photo shoot Fernando Guerra, of Últimas Reportagens, captures the Therme Vals, one of the most iconic works of the 2009 Pritzker Prize-winner Peter Zumthor.

Morphosis Unveils Plans for 381-Meter-Tall Skyscraper in Vals

Karissa Rosenfield — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 12:36:41 +0000

Morphosis Architects’ highly anticipated plans for a new luxury hotel in Vals has been unveiled. The proposal, selected by 7132 Ltd (and denounced by the jury) following an international competition, was lauded by the client for its “minimalist approach” that will “help the hotel blend with the mountain landscape at the existing resort campus.”

Jurors Deny Support of Morphosis’ Vals Hotel Appointment

Karissa Rosenfield — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

A group of five high-profile jurors, lead by Louisa Hutton of Berlin-based Sauerbruch Hutton, have issued a statement through the Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects (SIA) denying any support of Morphosis’ appointment to design the 7132 Hotel in Vals, Switzerland. According to reports, the jury had “significant question marks” regarding the chosen design, ultimately leading to the high-profile competition’s termination when the jury failed to recommend a winner. This seems to be a result of the client and jury’s inability to find common ground.

Morphosis Chosen to Design New Luxury Hotel in Vals

Karissa Rosenfield — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Morphosis Architects has been chosen ahead of Steven Holl, 6a Architects and four others in an international competition to design a new “7132 Hotel” in Vals, Switzerland. The 100-suite luxury hotel, planned to be built adjacent to Peter Zumthor’s Therme Vals spa, is expected to be unveiled this Spring.

Villa Vals / SeARCH + CMA

Nico Saieh — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Shouldn’t it be possible to conceal a house in an Alpine slope while still exploiting the wonderful views and allowing light to enter the building?