hervé savioz architecte epf sia (Anzère)

After nearly fifteen years as an independent architect, Hervé Savioz now works as a town planner for a public authority. The office's latest (and smallest) project is a "tiny house", a form of minimal, energy-independent living. Intended as a primary residence, the 21.6 m² gross floor area wood-frame house is built on a plot of land with a building right (DDP) in the commune of Ayent in the Valais. Renting rather than selling the land benefits both the owner and the tenant, in particular by reducing the impact of the land on the general budget. Self-built, this minimalist habitat is in line with the philosophy of micro-housing: a simple, economical way of life, close to nature, in a small space but with a high level of comfort. The volume is based on maritime container standards, so that the house can be moved and transported by truck. With this in mind, the house rests on stilts to reduce its footprint on the ground. Equipped with photovoltaic and thermal solar panels, it produces its own electricity and domestic hot water, enough for one person. A rainwater recovery and UV treatment system eliminates the need for a drinking water connection. These features, together with wood-fired heating and high-performance thermal insulation, make the house energy self-sufficient.