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- Free-form organic design. Earth houses.
![](http://cms.floornature.eu/media/photos/38/8306/organic_architecture_switzerland_vetsch_1.jpg)
Not far from the hustle and bustle of Zurich, in Dietikon, this oasis of peace and quiet is a haven for undulating green rooftops hiding unusual dwellings inspired by cave houses, resulting from a careful study of history: from the mudbrick huts in Africa to the drystone “trulli” in Puglia.
![](http://cms.floornature.eu/media/photos/38/8306/organic_architecture_switzerland_vetsch_2.jpg)
These earth houses follow the principles of nature, a technique dating back thousands of years. The houses are single level floor and are covered by a thick layer of biocompatible insulating materials, including earth and fabric, to keep the heat inside and to lower energy demands.
![](http://cms.floornature.eu/media/photos/38/8306/organic_architecture_switzerland_vetsch_roof.jpg)
The Lättenstraße complex in Dietikon comprises nine, different sized homes, ranging from three to seven and a half rooms. The homes have a U-shaped floor plan around an inner courtyard, with pond and wet zone. They face from north to south: the south-facing zone contains the living area, and the bedrooms are oriented towards the north. The bathrooms in the centre zone are lit by skylights, as are the stairways.
![](http://cms.floornature.eu/media/photos/38/8306/organic_architecture_switzerland_vetsch_terrace.jpg)
![](http://cms.floornature.eu/media/photos/38/8306/organic_architecture_switzerland_vetsch_garage.jpg)
Entrance is from the side or through the underground garage, which is constructed from reinforced concrete as a concession to our times.
![](http://cms.floornature.eu/media/photos/38/8306/organic_architecture_switzerland_vetsch_3.jpg)
Materials form the common denominator of all Peter Vetsch’s earth houses, which respect their natural context and limit their carbon footprint.
Project: Peter Vetsch
Location: Dietikon, Switzerland.
Photos: Courtesy of Peter Vetsch