Living in harmony with nature.
31.08.2026Houses that do not stand out against their surroundings but blend into them – that is the idea behind “Earthly Delights: 5 Homes in Harmony with Nature”, a recent feature by the international estate agency Christie’s. The concept is by no means just an American or Scandinavian phenomenon: in Switzerland, too, one can find properties that combine architecture and landscape in a truly impressive way.
Living as a dialogue with the landscape
What sets such properties apart is rarely a matter of pure chance, but rather the result of deliberate architectural choices: generous glazing that draws the eye outwards, natural materials such as wood and natural stone, careful integration into the terrain, and a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Internationally, the concept of biophilic architecture has become established – an approach based on the realisation that people demonstrably feel more at ease when in close proximity to nature. Houses such as the much-cited “Weathering Steel House” by the Canadian firm Shim-Sutcliffe Architects, which is nestled in a wooded ravine near Toronto and clad in weathered steel, timber and water, demonstrate on an international scale just how powerfully this approach can be implemented.
By the water: When the lake becomes your living room
In Switzerland, too, properties situated directly by the water are among the most impressive examples of living in harmony with nature. Wüst und Wüst’s portfolio includes, for example, a spacious lakeside estate near Lucerne in Schenkon, situated directly on Lake Sempach, as well as a prestigious property with lake views in Horgen on Lake Zurich. On Lake Constance, meanwhile, an exclusive Art Nouveau villa with its own boathouse awaits in Rorschacherberg – an example of how historic architecture and immediate proximity to the water blend to create a unique quality of living.
In the countryside: amidst woods, vineyards and panoramic views
Those seeking a retreat into the countryside will also find what they’re looking for. In Davos, there is a 5½-room alpine retreat situated right on the edge of the forest, whilst in Udligenswil there is an oasis in the countryside with panoramic views. In Männedorf on Lake Zurich, a penthouse flat combines proximity to vineyards with views of both the lake and the mountains, whilst the “Kastanienhof” in Kastanienbaum near Horw epitomises the scenic beauty of Central Switzerland. The historic estate with its park in Obfelden – a listed villa comprising three detached houses and outbuildings spread over more than 32,900 square metres – also demonstrates how generously nature and architectural heritage can come together in Switzerland.
Built sustainably, in harmony with the surroundings
A designer villa in the Zurich Oberland embodies the concept of harmony with nature particularly consistently: it combines sweeping panoramic views with a clear commitment to sustainable living of the highest standard. It thus exemplifies a trend that is increasingly taking hold in the upmarket Swiss property market: viewing ecological construction not as a sacrifice, but as an added quality.
What this means for buyers
The international debate on living in harmony with nature is therefore no longer merely a distant trend – it can be seen in Switzerland through very specific, available properties. From lakeside properties and alpine retreats to sustainably designed villas: anyone looking for a property that is special not in spite of, but because of its surroundings will find a whole range of such gems in Wüst und Wüst’s current portfolio – and with it the opportunity to live out this internationally acclaimed approach to living here in Switzerland too.