#lightweight-construction

#lightweight-construction

Perched among the towering oaks of Switzerland's Onsernone Valley, the Casetta Tessino emerges as an unconventional solution to a common problem. When a Swiss artist and climate activist sought additional living space on their property, local building regulations stood firmly in the way. Traditional extensions were off the table. Foundation work was forbidden. What remained was the possibility of building upward, anchored not to earth but to the forest itself.

Structurally, the Velocar is built from water and cooking-resistant birch plywood for the chassis, with canvas used for the body and seat. Additional parts are sourced from standard bicycle components or adapted from semi-finished industrial products. This choice of materials emphasizes recyclability, repairability, and accessibility, allowing the vehicle to be fabricated with basic hand tools, even in a DIY workshop environment.