a lightweight pavilion rests along a st. moritz lake
Lacum Respira is a lakeside pavilion by .ket bureau on the shore of Lake St. Moritz in Switzerland. Set at the water’s edge, the timber structure addresses a landscape shaped by seasonal rituals and a long tradition of outdoor life, where the lake acts as both foreground and horizon.
The calm setting is defined by open air and backdropped by dramatic mountains. Any architectural move here carries weight. The project approaches aims for continuity with its surroundings through its material palette and its siting along the shoreline.
visualizations © .ket bureau
.ket bureau draws from regional swiss architecture
With the design of the pavilion, the architects at .ket bureau studied regional wooden architecture surrounding St. Moritz, focusing on proportions and roof geometries. The project interprets these references through a contemporary lens, shaping a low, elongated profile that traces the edge between land and water. The pavilion follows the terrain and allows the topography to guide its footprint and section.
This approach lends a form that reads as part of the landscape’s visual rhythm. Sloped surfaces echo nearby landforms, while carefully calibrated openings frame views across the Engadin lake.
the pavilion sits lightly along the lakeshore of St Moritz
wellness spaces for year-round use
.kat bureau organizes its pavilion as a sequence of spaces designed for year-round use, accommodating public gatherings, wellness activities in St. Moritz. Circulation moves gradually from enclosed areas toward open terraces and the pier, creating a steady transition between interior and exterior conditions.
Glazing plays a central role in shaping perception. Light enters deep into the plan, and reflections from the lake animate interior surfaces throughout the day. Spatial variation emerges through shifts in ceiling height and enclosure, from expansive communal areas to more contained zones intended for rest and recovery.
its form follows the shoreline between land and water
Extending from the main volume, the pier acts as a spatial connector between the city edge and the lake surface. Its linear form emphasizes movement outward, drawing visitors toward panoramic views and open air. Above, accessible roof areas offer elevated perspectives across the water and toward the mountains beyond.
This outward reach reinforces the pavilion’s relationship with the lake as a living element. Water, air, and light remain in constant dialogue with the structure, shaping the experience of the architecture across changing weather and seasons.
sloped roofs echo the surrounding terrain and regional architecture
Wood defines the project’s character, both structurally and visually. Locally sourced ash forms the primary structural system, selected for its strength and thermal performance. Larch appears in the pier and vertical supports, bringing durability suited to the lakeside environment.
Surface treatments rely on natural oils and protective finishes suited to alpine conditions. These choices support longevity while allowing the material to age with subtle variation. Natural ventilation and daylight reduce reliance on mechanical systems, aligning environmental performance with the project’s restrained design language.
project info:
name: lacum respira
architect: .ket bureau | @ket.bureau
location: St. Moritz, Switzerland
design team: Karen Bilian, Tigran Danielian, Irina Tarasik, Sofia Lebedeva, Alisa Mackiewicz, Anastasia Morozova
completion: 2025
photography: © .ket bureau
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