Courage to use colour - elegant Jatoba veneer solution for a design-savvy client in the Basel area

Client and planning: HANYA LEO, Zurich, Handschin Schweighauser Architekten ETH SIA, Basel

Execution: Hürzeler Holzbau

Location: Basel area

Products from Roser:

• Approx. 600 m² of high-quality raw veneer, Jatoba veneer, FSC-certified

Roser services:

• Personal consultation in the concept.room of Roser AG
• Joint selection of the Jatoba veneer with the client
• Project-related veneer selection according to colour, structure and tranquillity of the image
• Veneer Express Service: made to measure and customised for precise, on-time implementation
   

Project description:
The Fäh House was originally built in 1969 and extensively renovated between 2021 and 2024. The design approach is clearly based on mid-century modern architecture, but reinterprets it in a contemporary and high-quality way. The spacious, room-defining wooden surfaces made of Jatoba on the ceilings, walls and fixtures are characteristic, giving the house a warm, elegant yet powerful atmosphere.

In deliberate contrast to the warm wood tones are the broken black slate tiles on the floor and the deliberate use of colour accents in the interior. The central fireplace area forms an architectural centrepiece and underlines the homely character of the house. Customised furniture, integrated shelving and seating niches demonstrate the precision craftsmanship and high quality of the workmanship.

Instead of the frequently chosen wood types oak or walnut, the client boldly opted for jatoba. The heartwood of this tree, which is native to Central and South America, ranges in colour from warm brown to reddish nuances and light violet-brown tones. The elegant and timeless appearance is an ideal match for the clear architecture and design aspirations of the project.

A central theme was the sustainability of the material used. Although Jatoba is a tropical wood, only FSC-certified wood from Roser AG was used. FSC certification guarantees responsible forest management as well as fair social and ecological standards. This project is an example of how tropical wood can be a sustainable and responsible choice if its origin is transparent and its certification is verified.