British architectural firm Foster + Partners has unveiled plans for an innovative timber showroom in Gstaad, Switzerland, featuring a distinctive three-story car ramp that winds around the building's exterior. The sinuous design is intended to mirror the natural contours of the Alpine landscape, creating a landmark structure that harmoniously integrates with the surrounding valley.
The Gstaad House will encompass three floors of gallery and auction spaces, topped with a private members' club on the uppermost level and including a subterranean storage area. The building's most striking feature is its integrated ramp system that provides circulation for both vehicles and pedestrians, spiraling from the base to the top in a continuous loop around the structure.
"The landmark building is nestled within a valley and responds to the unique contours of the landscape," Foster + Partners explained in their project description. "The architectural form reflects the undulating mountains and winding roads, with a gently sloping facade, flat roof, and an integrated ramp for cars and pedestrians that wraps around the building."
The exterior will be entirely clad in locally sourced larch wood, creating rhythmic screens interspersed with glazing elements. This timber facade is designed to diffuse natural light into the interior spaces while providing panoramic views of the valley below. The building is topped with a distinctive rounded, flat roof that complements the organic design language.
At each level, matching timber balustrades will enclose the external ramp, creating terraced outdoor spaces that offer sweeping views of the surrounding Alpine landscape. Senior partner Kirsten Scott emphasized the dramatic arrival experience the design creates: "Our design generates a spectacular arrival experience, as the building comes into view from the road. Its distinctive facade is made from local larch and diffuses natural light into the spaces above ground, while providing panoramic views of the valley."
The ground floor will house an exhibition space specifically designed for public events, featuring double-height glazing that can be fully opened to connect with adjacent outdoor areas. Architectural renderings reveal a raised mezzanine level that overlooks the main ground floor exhibition area, providing additional viewing perspectives and spatial drama.
The upper floors of Gstaad House are planned to offer private gallery spaces where art collections can be displayed in carefully controlled environments. These spaces will provide tailored, climate-controlled conditions suitable for valuable artworks and collectibles. The top floor will be dedicated to a private members' club, complete with a wraparound roof deck that takes full advantage of the Alpine setting.
Additional amenities on the top floor will include a dining room and kitchen facilities designed specifically for private events and member gatherings. The private club level represents the pinnacle of the building's luxury offerings, providing exclusive access to some of the most spectacular views in the region.
Below ground, a substantial 3,000-square-meter flexible space will serve multiple functions, including bespoke storage facilities for art collections and other valuable items. This subterranean level extends the building's functionality while maintaining the clean lines of the above-ground structure.
The project represents Foster + Partners' continued exploration of sustainable materials and landscape-sensitive design. The use of local larch wood not only provides environmental benefits but also ensures the building maintains a strong connection to regional architectural traditions while pushing the boundaries of contemporary design.
This latest project adds to Foster + Partners' diverse portfolio, which recently included a renovation of Manchester United's Carrington Training Complex and a luxury retail development aimed at revitalizing Istanbul's waterfront district. The Gstaad House demonstrates the firm's ability to create architecturally significant buildings that respond sensitively to their natural surroundings while serving sophisticated programmatic requirements.
