In Safenwil, Switzerland, the "Piccolo" terraced houses are an innovative residential project that reflects the modern, minimalist lifestyle of a "tiny house." These compact terraced houses feature a durable facade made of WPC from NaturinForm. The Die Gestaltendeprofiles in amber brown are not only aesthetically pleasing but also offer high resistance to weathering. Overall, this sustainable material fits perfectly with a lifestyle that's pared down to the essentials.

On a plot of approximately 1,000 square meters on the edge of the forest in Safenwil in the canton of Aargau, an innovative residential concept was realized and completed in February 2023. Nestled in extensive local recreation areas, the location allows for active leisure activities in nature.

Real Estate Claudio Sperduto AG developed a modern, sustainable residential project to replace an outdated existing building. The units, which are larger than tiny houses but smaller than conventional terraced houses, were designed under the project name "Piccolo" – inspired by the Italian word for "small." The focus was on creating a functional and innovative form of living, guided by the maxim "less stuff, more freedom." At the heart of the minimalist architecture is the desire for deceleration and well-being. In keeping with this, the houses blend harmoniously into the picturesque and tranquil surroundings. The result is four nature-oriented rental units, offering flexible living solutions for singles, couples, or seniors, each with its own small garden.

Tiny houses called “Piccolo”

Tiny houses originated in the USA, where the trend toward minimalist homes began at the end of the 20th century. With a maximum of 37 square meters of living space and only one level, the definition of a tiny house was even enshrined in law. In Germany, we call it a tiny house if it is less than 50 square meters. Those who choose a tiny house are often also interested in a sustainable lifestyle. The four terraced houses in Safenwil, called "Piccolo," each with three and a half rooms on two levels and approximately 75 square meters of living space, are therefore not a classic tiny house. However, their optimized, small-scale architecture certainly appeals to the target group of tenants who want to surround themselves with fewer things in a smaller living space, value lower maintenance, strive to reduce energy costs, and at the same time do not want to give up the feeling of owning their own home. The compact, cleverly planned floor plan accommodates a bedroom, bathroom, and a study on the upper floor. On the ground floor, there is an open living and kitchen area, as well as a cloakroom, a guest toilet, and a utility room. Large windows maximize natural light, and a covered patio allows for an extension of the living area to the outdoors. A separate, detached garden house with a barbecue area shades the entrance area and creates additional private outdoor space, enhancing the quality of life.

WPC facade reflects natural construction

The uniform facade of all components is particularly striking in this residential complex. It is designed as a ventilated facade with WPC profiles from NaturinForm. This was a deliberate choice. Client and real estate developer Claudio Sperduto, owner of Real Estate Claudio Sperduto AG, first learned about the material in 2020 through the local Safenwil Craftsmen and Trades Association. "I liked the facade profiles right away and knew immediately that if I ever built anything, it would be with this material," reports the real estate agent. They blend in with the Swiss landscape and are a reflection of responsibility for nature and the environment. Architect Dieter Schöni already had experience with WPC for outdoor flooring. "I love wood, but not outdoors," is his clear opinion – especially when it comes to durability and maintenance requirements. "It was clear that, so close to the edge of the forest, the surroundings should be reflected in the façade. But ultimately, this is also an investment property, where attractiveness and profitability should not conflict with each other," he explains.

Highly economical, maximally attractive

NaturinForm WPC profiles "Die Gestaltende"in amber brown were used on the house facades. Their advantage: They are weather-resistant, hardly susceptible to dirt, and therefore very low-maintenance. The profiles can be installed horizontally or vertically. They are available in various profile sizes and four colors. Special colors are available for areas of over 30 square meters. Due to the high wood content, the boards are subject to natural optical maturation. The desired matte color, which occurs naturally in nature, only develops after full weathering. However, this color then remains constant, while the natural material wood continues to fade.

Processing by experienced timber construction professionals

The facade profiles provided a uniform cladding for the brick houses as well as the timber-framed garden sheds, tool sheds, and carports. To install the profiles, wooden battens were first bolted to the wall, and insulation was inserted between the bricks and battens. Installer Hans Burgherr and his team then applied the solid " Die GestaltendeXL" WPC profiles in amber brown to provide weather protection. He, too, had previous experience installing WPC products.

NaturinForm mounting adapters were used to install the facade. Die Gestaltendewas used in two widths. While the 99 mm (XL) profile was used for the facade, Burgherr used the XXL version (148 mm) for the wider door reveals, requiring only two profiles instead of three.

Even a year after completion, developer Claudio Sperduto remains more than satisfied: "I immediately liked the material. I knew immediately that if I were to build here, it would only be with this product. I live nearby and pass by it almost every day. And now it looks exactly as I imagined." The units were rented within three weeks. In contrast to Claudio Sperduto's original idea of offering low-maintenance apartments for older couples, the tenants are singles and couples of varying ages.

Sustainability and recyclability

Another advantage of NaturinForm WPC products is their high wood content, with a wood-to-polymer ratio of approximately 70 to 30 percent. They are also 100% recyclable. With its proprietary recycling system, the "Re-Form Recycling Box," the company is helping to keep these valuable raw materials in the material cycle for more than 600 years. Any leftover pieces or dismantled material can be collected in the "Re-Form Recycling Box," which is delivered free of charge to the construction site. After construction, or when the box is full, the remaining material is collected for recycling at the production facility in Redwitz an der Rodach, northern Bavaria.

NaturinForm manufactures its products strictly according to ecological principles: Only PEFC-certified wood fibers from sustainable forestry, which are generated by the wood processing industry, are used. The organic component of the composite material is an environmentally friendly polymer. NaturinForm products are pre-colored at the factory. Therefore, they are not varnished or oiled, and unlike conventional wood, no environmentally harmful chemicals are required for maintenance. Clean water is sufficient for cleaning. No microplastics are washed out.

NaturinForm offers products for DGNB-certified construction. All NaturinForm decking and facade profiles are provided with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) prepared in accordance with international standards. All products are continuously subjected to quality controls and stress tests to ensure consistently flawless and first-class wood-based material quality.