LAKEHOUSE

PULLY
SWITZERLAND
Historic Residential Renovation

Set along the shores of Lake Geneva, this historic residence has undergone a comprehensive renovation conceived as a dialogue between heritage, contemporary architecture and energy performance.

Once owned by Günther Sachs, whose story was famously linked to Brigitte Bardot, the house carries a distinctive cultural and architectural memory.

Rather than erasing this identity, ADELI’s intervention was conceived around a different principle: preserve the character of the existing architecture while revealing its hidden potential.

The original architectural language of the house, its proportions and exposed timber structure were therefore retained wherever possible, while a series of carefully designed contemporary interventions introduced new functions, greater comfort and an entirely new relationship with the previously underused upper levels.

THE ENVELOPE — BETWEEN HERITAGE AND ENERGY PERFORMANCE

The renovation of the façades and the complete transformation of the roof formed the first major phase of the project.

The roof was entirely renovated and insulated, significantly improving the thermal performance of the building while creating the conditions required to transform the attic into fully habitable spaces.

Existing openings were reconsidered, the dormer was enlarged, and new roof windows were introduced to bring generous natural light deep into areas that had previously remained largely unused.

One of the defining elements of the project is the integration of solar roof tiles directly into the architecture of the roof.

Rather than applying conventional photovoltaic panels as an additional technical layer, the solar technology becomes part of the architectural composition itself, preserving the visual continuity and elegance of the roof — an essential consideration within the sensitive landscape of the Lake Geneva region.

The solar production is complemented by a battery storage system, allowing part of the energy generated during daylight hours to be stored and used later, particularly in the evening and at night.

The objective was clear: to make energy performance an integral part of the architecture rather than a technical addition to it.

Aerial view of the south-facing roof

Preserving history. Reimagining space.

THE ATTIC — TURNING UNUSED VOLUME INTO LIVING SPACE

Inside, the most significant transformation focused on the attic and upper-attic levels, previously largely unused.

Instead of considering these areas as secondary spaces, ADELI completely reinterpreted their potential and incorporated them into the everyday life of the house.

The attic has become a new living level, organised around a generous lounge area and a dedicated private office for the owner.

The existing exposed timber beams were carefully preserved and integrated into the new composition. Their texture and history now contrast with the precision of the contemporary interventions, creating a deliberate dialogue between the original structure and the new architecture.

Natural light introduced through the new roof openings further transforms the perception of these spaces, revealing the geometry and depth of the original roof structure.

A contemporary shower room was also created within the attic, designed specifically around the constraints of the existing volume and conceived as an integral part of the new architectural language.

A NEW STAIRCASE BETWEEN THE ATTIC LEVELS

Created as part of the renovation, the new staircase connects the attic to the upper attic in an elegant, contemporary design.

Its walnut cladding brings warmth and continuity to the space, while the glass balustrade running alongside the staircase preserves transparency and visual lightness.

It leads to the upper attic, where a new room has also been created, further extending the living spaces beneath the roof.

BESPOKE INTERIORS — WHEN ARCHITECTURE BECOMES FURNITURE

The transformation extends beyond the architectural shell into a series of bespoke elements designed specifically by ADELI for the new spaces.

Within the office area, a large custom-designed library follows the geometry of the pitched roof and becomes an architectural composition in its own right.

A graphic arrangement of white closed volumes is punctuated by open timber niches of different proportions. Integrated lighting accentuates their depth and creates a warm counterpoint to the historic exposed beams above.

Rather than simply placing furniture within the room, the library becomes part of the architecture itself.

The same philosophy takes a different form within the new living area.

A generous recessed niche has been transformed into a bespoke architectural sofa, positioned directly beneath the sloping roof. Timber lining, integrated linear lighting and a custom-made upholstered seat turn the niche into an intimate place for sitting, reading or contemplating the space.

Part sofa, part alcove, part architecture, the intervention transforms one of the constraints of the existing roof geometry into one of the most distinctive elements of the project.

BETWEEN MEMORY AND CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE

The project ultimately follows one fundamental idea:

not to erase the existing building in order to create something new, but to use its history, structure and constraints as the starting point for a new architecture.

Restored façades, a completely redesigned and insulated roof, integrated solar tiles, energy storage, new natural-light openings, preserved timber beams, bespoke furniture, new living spaces and contemporary architectural interventions now form a coherent whole.

A historic house enters a new chapter — more sustainable, more functional and more contemporary, without losing the character that made it unique.