CASA GUBERAN – Light-Filled Historic House with Douglas Fir Floors

CASA GUBERAN – Light-Filled Historic House with Douglas Fir Floors

A farmhouse built in 1840 in the Swiss Jura, newly transformed into two light-filled apartments. Solid Douglas fir from the Black Forest shapes the floors, stairs, and furniture. The Douglas fir flooring connects all areas of the house with warmth and a natural presence. Historical elements blend harmoniously into the modern spatial concept – a successful interplay of wood, light, and space.

Private Residences La Praz, Schwitzerland

Christophe Guberan I STUDIO GUBERAN

 

Douglas Fir Flooring | Surface Treatment: White lye & White Oil
Solid Wood Planks | Grading: URBAN Classic
28 mm x 300 mm | Varying Lengths & Room-Length up to 7 m

CASA GUBERAN – Light-Filled Historic House with Douglas Fir Floors

The CASA GUBERAN house is located in the Swiss Jura and was built in 1840. It originally served as a farmhouse and guesthouse, consisting of many small, dark, and partitioned rooms.

During the renovation and conversion into two apartments, the focus was on light, spatial flow, and open structures. The goal was to open up the historic rooms, allow light to enter, and create a free flow throughout the day. The varying floor levels now define the individual areas and give the spaces structure.

The floor became a central design element: Solid Douglas fir planks from the Black Forest extend across floors, stair treads, beds, drawers, cabinets, and seating areas. The wide 30 cm planks were treated with a white lye and white oil. This treatment softens the natural rosy hue while giving the floor a bright, warm appearance.

Original elements of the historic building were deliberately preserved during the renovation and integrated harmoniously into the new spatial concept. Each window is unique, shaped over time and through use. The thick walls with deep window sills are made of light-colored regional limestone. The lime-plastered walls were finely smoothed so they catch the light and create subtle vibrations – a perfect harmony of wood, light, and space.

Photos © Jasmin Depora

CASA GUBERAN – Light-Filled Historic House with Douglas Fir Floors
CASA GUBERAN – Light-Filled Historic House with Douglas Fir Floors
"The floor connects the whole house together, infusing warmth and atmosphere. Working with these Douglas fir floorboards has added real value to the project."

Christophe Guberan, Product Designer | STUDIO GUBERAN

CASA GUBERAN – Light-Filled Historic House with Douglas Fir Floors
CASA GUBERAN – Light-Filled Historic House with Douglas Fir Floors