Three homeowners shape distinctive homes to suit their lives

SRF profiles three homes shaped by their owners’ personal style: a converted barn in Dornach, an apartment in a former boathouse on Lake Lucerne and a lovingly furnished home in Ernetschwil.

A barn rebuilt in Dornach

Tristan, a teacher, transformed an old barn in Dornach into a home for himself, his wife and their two daughters. He stripped the building back to its foundations and rebuilt nearly everything himself, including the kitchen, stairs, floors, doors and windows. The project took place 12 years ago.

The house combines old and new, with plenty of wood and bright rooms. A historic roof structure remains visible, while an attic bedroom receives abundant natural light. Tristan’s ground-floor studio is a place to paint and make music; his work can be seen throughout the house.

An apartment in a former boathouse

Charlotte recently moved into an apartment in a former boathouse in Küssnacht am Rigi, on Lake Lucerne. The 41-year-old interior designer lives there with her dog, Naila, and renovated the home to suit her preferences.

Subtle beige and grey tones shape the interior, while the living room offers an almost 180-degree view across the lake. The compact kitchen does not detract from the apartment’s open, calm feel. Muted colours also give the bedroom a quiet atmosphere.