Gstaad, Switzerland

The African Chalet

Between the continents

Conceived of as part family residence and part activist residency, Studio Zewde was commissioned to design a landscape that integrates the landscape vernaculars of the African continent with that of the Swiss Alps. Working with Kéré Architecture and Chaletbau Matti, the landscape design incorporates rammed concrete techniques, stone features reminiscent of West African geology, and a series of water features that tell the story of water between the continents. A choreography of spaces support meditation, dining, reflection, gathering, and isolation to offer a wide range of landscape experiences for both the family and activists in residence.