Nänikon is a minimalist farmhouse located in Uster, Switzerland, designed by Franziska/Sebastian Müller Architects. The residential section of the property, still in robust condition, was preserved in its original form. However, the adjoining barn, having succumbed to dilapidation, required demolition and reconstruction. The reimagined structure now includes three newly developed residential units, an expansion over the original barn’s footprint. These units are distributed across the building’s three levels. The ground floor layout is replicated on the first and second floors, each hosting two apartments. These apartments feature three bedrooms, a pair of bathrooms, and a living/dining area. Notably, each of these spaces is enhanced by large casement windows and balconies that offer views of the garden.

The top-level apartment, uniquely spanning two floors within the mansard roof, boasts an inverted loggia in its living and dining areas. The interior design of these apartments is marked by a light and airy ambiance, primarily due to the use of oak parquet flooring and furnishings crafted from solid walnut. Shared facilities within the development include vertical access points, a basement, parking, and a communal garden area. Architecturally, the façade of the new structure pays homage to its historical roots. It features vertical strip cladding that echoes the barn’s original design elements, such as the connecting roof, suspended purlins, and prominently placed entrance doors. The main entrance, elevated and situated at the former stable entrance, is adorned with a louvered structure.