NEW SWISS ARCHITECTURE
Interview with DER
Designing Within Local Realities
DER
@der.architectes founded by Marc Délez and Charlotte Reuse in Martigny, Valais, is an emerging practice shaped by strong sensitivity to context and the unique challenges of mountain territories. With the region facing a housing crisis and many second homes left empty in the certain area they work on, they focus on renovating and restoring abandoned village houses rather than building anew. Economic constraints become a source of creativity, driving inventive, affordable solutions through close collaboration with clients and communities. Their recent projects include the Sembrancher renovation, OBJECTIF LUNE in Arolla, and a prize-winning school in Martigny, all reflecting their commitment to grounded, context-driven design.
Images and credits
1. Marc Délez & Charlotte Reuse, portrait. Ph. Pierre Daendliker
@pierredaendliker
2. Sur le rocher, house in Les Marécottes, courtesy to the ground, 2021. Ph. Emilien Itim
@emilienitim
3. House in Ovronnaz, model of concrete and wood, reflexions on single family housing, 2025, construction ongoing
4. Objectif Lune, competition for a shelter in the mountain, preserving what is already there and building around it with an economy of means, with Lucien Roy & Mathis Pante. Img. M. Pante
@lil_tisma
5. Restoration in Sembrancher, notions of comfort redefined, 2025, ongoing project
6. Orange Abricot, competition for an art school in Sierre, with Mathis Pante and Léon Bührer. Img. L. Bührer
@leonbuehrer
7. Tatou, 1st prize with
@lablab , competition in Martigny for the new school, gymnasium and daycare, landscape with
@_en_dehors , 2025. Img.
@architectureonpaper
8. Tatou, a classroom surrounded by nature, the minerality oft he facade is reflected inside through rammed earth ceiling, enhancing the indoor climate comfort.
9. Bow-window, renovation in St-Luc, re-organise space and living habits through a simple gesture, 2025. Model photo, project ongoing
10. More is Less, competition with
@lablab in Collombey, preserving the site and its qualities by building above, 2025, model photo
@der.architectes
#newgens #newswissarch #emerging #switzerland
