Neo-Brutalist Villa in Geneva Suburb Elevates Extended Family Living

This blog post examines a recently completed villa in Pregny-Chambésy, on the outskirts of Geneva. The house was designed by Lacroix Chessex Architectes.

The villa presents a refined interpretation of neo-brutalism with exposed concrete inside and out. It balances a raw material palette with a warm atmosphere while responding to tight budgets and strict local planning rules.

Project summary and context

The villa sits in Geneva’s Zone 5. It was conceived within a regulatory framework that governs setbacks, building footprint, permeability, solar panel requirements, and insulation standards.

Lacroix Chessex found creative freedom within those parameters. They developed a compact, sculptural home that uses poured concrete as both structure and finish.

Key regulatory and design drivers

Strict planning rules dictated much of the project’s envelope and services. The architects delivered a house that is both minimal and richly detailed.

The design meets technical requirements while remaining expressive in materiality and form.

• Setbacks and building footprint: constrained geometry shaped the massing and orientation.
• Permeability and sustainability: attention to solar panels and insulation standards influenced service integration.
• Budget constraints: informed choices such as avoiding large spans and favoring solid poured-concrete walls.
• Material honesty: exposed concrete used as the primary architectural expression, inside and out.

Architectural strategy and material approach

Lacroix Chessex’s response is an exercise in restraint. The house uses solid poured-concrete walls with full-height openings to bring in daylight and frame views.

Polished concrete floors and stone edging introduce tactile contrast. These materials allow the concrete’s surface qualities to play against a warmer texture.

How the layout supports economy and experience

The ground floor is fragmented and angled to create lively sightlines and spatial variety. This avoids costly long spans and permits an efficient structural grid.

The layout produces a sense of openness and flow between entrance, kitchen, dining, and lounge areas. Private spaces and a self-contained flat are also included, making the villa adaptable for multi-generational use or rental.

• Fragmented ground floor: dynamic geometry avoids heavy structural solutions and enhances views.
• Seamless living flow: entrance, kitchen, dining and lounge are organized for continuity.
• Independent flat and private zones: add programmatic flexibility to the residence.
• Traditional Swiss basement: uses established local typology for storage and recreation.

Upper floors, daylighting and façade animation

Upstairs, the principal suite and two smaller bedrooms benefit from top-lit bathrooms. Carefully varied window alignments animate the façade.

These openings provide privacy, frame views, and modulate interior light. The design maintains the monolithic presence of the concrete envelope.

Design lessons from Lacroix Chessex

Founded in 2005, Lacroix Chessex follow an approach described as site-specific, timeless, and exploratory. They begin each project from scratch, creating responses to context, budget, and material reality rather than repeating trends.

This project is a useful case study for architects and engineers. It shows how a simple material palette can feel warm and intentional.

Thoughtful detailing, such as polished floors and stone edging, adds character. Strategic massing, efficient structural choices, and careful daylighting help turn limitations into strengths.

 
Here is the source article for this story: A neo-brutalist villa for an extended family elevates a Geneva suburb