At Vitrocsa, we are proud to collaborate with visionary architects like Magnus Ström, founder of Ström Architects, whose work redefines modern residential design. Known for his ability to blend simplicity, precision, and a seamless connection with nature, Magnus shares our passion for pushing boundaries and reimagining the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.

In this exclusive interview, Magnus reflects on his journey in architecture, his experience integrating Vitrocsa’s innovative window systems into the stunning Barcelona House project, and his vision for design. His insights highlight how Vitrocsa’s minimalist systems bring architectural visions to life.

 

Vitrocsa : What initially drew you to architecture?

Magnus Ström : I was fortunate to grow up in a family that valued design and architecture. My parents had a keen interest in houses, and I spent my childhood in modernist homes from the 1940s. I’ve been fascinated with architecture since I was five years old, and I always knew it was the path I wanted to pursue.

 

V : How did you discover Vitrocsa, and what convinced you to use our systems for the Barcelona House project?

M.S. : To be honest, I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I discovered Vitrocsa, but as an architect specialising in high-end residential projects, I’m always aware of the best slim-line window systems available on the market.
For the Barcelona House, we specifically chose Vitrocsa because it’s one of the finest systems available. The location is extremely exposed to the elements, so we needed a product that combined exceptional performance with the renowned Swiss quality that Vitrocsa offers.

 

 

V : How did the integration of Vitrocsa windows contribute to the design and organisation of the spaces?

M.S. : The design of the Barcelona House focuses on its breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. During the design process, we meticulously edited the elements to edit away anything unnecessary, allowing the view and the connection to the outdoors to take centre stage.
A key feature of the house is the 6-meter roof overhang, supported by a single column. It was critical that the glazing was as minimal as possible when closed, and that the façade could slide open completely to blur the boundaries between inside and outside.
The combination of the large overhang and Vitrocsa’s minimal glazing elevates the experience of the space. It creates an extraordinary indoor-outdoor flow, and when you step into the open-plan living area, there’s an almost indescribable feeling of connection and harmony.

 

V : What were the specific technical constraints of this project?

M.S. : The most significant technical challenge was achieving the 6-meter cantilevered roof. We collaborated with Estructra Singulares, who engineered a concrete roof that eliminated all but one column along the glazed façade. This bold structural decision was pivotal to the success of the project, as it allowed us to maintain the clean, open aesthetic while framing the view perfectly.

 

V : What does the phrase “Where indoors and outdoors become one” inspire in you?

M.S. : Growing up in Scandinavia, I experienced both long, dark winters and bright, long summer evenings. This has made the relationship between indoors and outdoors integral to how I approach design. In winter, we focus on bringing as much natural light as possible into the interiors, while in summer, we prioritise seamless connections to outdoor spaces.
In our work, this philosophy is realised through floor-to-ceiling glazing, minimal frames, and walls that can essentially disappear to open up entire corners of a house. These elements are central to our architectural approach.

 

 

V : Where do you find your main sources of inspiration?

M.S. : Inspiration comes from many places. Of course, we stay informed about developments in the architectural world, but I believe it’s equally important to step away from work, travel, and recharge.
For instance, yacht design and furniture design often inspire me with their precision and craftsmanship. I also find inspiration in products like watches, where functionality meets elegance.
This year has been particularly inspiring. In Dubai, I was struck by the sheer scale and speed of development. In LA, I toured iconic mid-century homes like the Stahl House. At MoMA in New York, the works of Rothko, Pollock, and Monet deeply moved me. And in Florence, the cultural richness and the Uffizi Gallery left a lasting impression.

 

V : Is there a project or type of space you dream of designing one day?

M.S. : Designing homes and spaces for living has always been my passion, but I see a natural progression toward hospitality design in the future. Hotels and resorts are a realm I’m eager to explore, and I believe this is a market where we’ll make our mark in the coming years.

 

Magnus Ström’s work demonstrates how precision, simplicity, and innovation can transform architectural spaces into immersive experiences. Through his collaboration with Vitrocsa, he exemplifies how thoughtful design and advanced technology can blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, creating spaces that inspire connection and harmony.

As Ström Architects looks toward the future and explores new horizons like hospitality design, their commitment to redefining modern architecture remains unwavering—a philosophy perfectly shared with Vitrocsa.

We have recently started the construction of our new offices!

 

We are thrilled to announce that we celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for our future Headquarters at Y-Parc in Yverdon-les-Bains in Switzerland this past May! This exciting project is being carried out in partnership with the construction company Bat-Mann Constructions SA.

Our future headquarters will be a true Vitrocsa showroom, designed to reflect our commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of minimalist window systems. This building will be a symbol of our growth and our vision for the future.

Stay tuned for construction updates on our Instagram.

For 3 years now, we have sponsored a month of “Archdaily’s Topic of the Months,” which focuses on a different subject each month throughout the year. This year, the topic we have chosen to highlight is “Building Envelope.”

This theme is particularly relevant for Vitrocsa, as windows play a crucial role in creating bright and welcoming interior environments at the heart of architecture. Shaping not only the appearance but also the ambiance and character of a building, windows constitute a significant part of its structure and identity. They serve as a vital link between the interior and exterior, capturing natural light and framing the surrounding views.

At Vitrocsa, we continuously strive to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible in window and facade design. Our commitment to quality, durability, and performance enables us to offer tailor-made solutions that meet the specific needs of each architectural project. By exploring the topic of ‘Building Envelope’ with Archdaily, we are delighted to share our expertise on windows.

 

Read the article in collaboration with Archdaily dedicated to Vitrocsa on the theme “Building Envelope.

Vitrocsa has lost its founder, but will continue to follow in his footsteps with the same passion

The management of Vitrocsa are deeply saddened to announce the death of Eric Joray, who founded Vitrocsa in 1992. He passed away on 3rd March 2023, on the eve of his 78th birthday. Shortly before Christmas, doctors had diagnosed him with a brain tumour. In the weeks that followed, Eric Joray made the most of his time, enjoying the company of his family until his death at the beginning of March, on the eve of his 78th birthday.

Greatly affected by his passing, the staff at Vitrocsa would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to their former director and retrace his journey and that of the company he founded.

From orchids to windows

Vitrocsa has its roots in flowers. In the 1980s, Eric Joray began planting orchids and, to help them grow, he decided to build them their own greenhouse, creating a design along minimalist lines. The greenhouse drew lots of attention, with many people showing an interest in it, leading Eric Joray to set up Orchidées Constructions SA to develop and build greenhouses and conservatories.
Initially inspired by a Belgian innovation, Eric Joray decided to develop his own system. He presented it at an exhibition where it caught the eye of architects. The project was launched in 1992, and Vitrocsa (a contraction of “VITRes-Orchidées-SA”) was founded. Eric Joray then filed the first patent for the sliding principle he had designed. From then on, all the innovative systems would be developed in-house by the same Research & Development department, with patents filed on a regular basis.

What characterises Vitrocsa windows? Vitrocsa systems can replace traditional window frames with near-invisible casing profiles. The result is this minimal window which has won over both leading brands and private customers, in Switzerland and across the world.

Global appeal, family spirit

Thanks to its huge success, which has continued to grow over the course of 30 years, Vitrocsa now exports its windows to over 60 countries. Although the company enjoys global appeal, the brand remains faithful to its philosophy of local craftsmanship. The company currently employs 22 staff and is still based in its original location in Saint-Aubin-Sauges, on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel.
Vitrocsa fosters a strong team spirit and, although it has multinational ambitions, wishes to retain its family atmosphere.

Eric Joray retired in 2015, but he would return regularly to the Vitrocsa offices to chat with his former employees over breakfast, taking an interest in the progress of the business, even giving a kindly word of advice on occasion.

Since Eric’s departure in 2015, a new form of management was implemented via a management buy-out, with the company currently being led by a five-strong management team: Vanessa Buffat, Jean-Marc Détraz, Sébastien Franchini, Hysni Muli and José Pereira. This team of passionate people have been working at Vitrocsa for around twenty years and demonstrate great loyalty to the company and to the values passed on by Eric Joray.

One of these values is to be at the leading edge of technological advances. Since 2015, Vitrocsa has continued to develop its products which regularly win awards and garner worldwide acclaim.
Eric Joray may no longer be with us, but the Vitrocsa spirit lives on, striking the perfect balance between respect for tradition and constant innovation.

This year, we are once again sponsoring a month of the “Archdaily Topic of the Months”, with the topic “Light in architecture”.

Light and transparency are intrinsically linked and form a unique duo that complements each other perfectly. Vitrocsa systems offer the possibility of integrating nearly transparent windows into a building that do not interfere with the landscape and external light. The minimal window blends into the environment with maximum transparency and abundant natural light.

 

Discover the article in collaboration with Archdaily dedicated to Vitrocsa on the theme “Light in architecture”.

Discover on The Local Project, the incredible Cliffhanger House project by Joe Adsett Architects.

In collaboration with our partner Vitrocsa Australia New Zealand !

We are delighted to announce that our original product was created 30 years ago!

 

It was in 1992 that Eric Joray had a vision: to revolutionize the world of architecture with a minimalist sliding window system. Today, we celebrate three decades of innovation, technique, creativity, design, and elegance. From our earliest designs to our latest projects, we have always strived to push boundaries and redefine industry standards.

 

Thank you to all our clients, partners, and collaborators for being part of this incredible journey. Together, let’s continue to imagine the future of architecture.

For this month of May 2022, we are sponsoring the “Archdaily Topic of the Months” on the subject of “Aesthetics”.

“Like a beautiful painting, windows showcase interiors and frame landscapes that connect users to the outside world, directing our eyes to what really matters. But besides framing views and facilitating visual communication, windows serve multiple essential functions that make them vital components in any project. They illuminate homes with sunrays, provide natural ventilation, filter light, insulate from cold and heat, block water and ensure protection. As most design professionals would agree, glazing also plays a crucial aesthetic role; its materials, style and dimensions certainly make a significant difference in the appearance of facades and spaces.. …”

 

Read the complete article about Vitrocsa on the “Aesthetics” theme on Archdaily

Discover on The Local Project the project Camp Cove House by Tobias Partners.

 

“Camp Cove House is a refreshing modern structure, imbued with vibrant pops of colour and contemporary flair. With windows by Vitrocsa, Tobias Partners opens up the home to natural light, effortlessly linking the interior with the external environment.”

“The most vital feature of the home is the renewed connection to natural light through extensive use of glass. Glazing by Vitrocsa transform the space; floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors in the living room present as subtle and inconspicuous, visually giving way to the view. Whilst the glass allows light to flood the interior, the flush details at the junctions of the glazing system and architecture create a sense of continuity between the different thresholds of the home.”

 

In collaboration with our partner Vitrocsa Australia et New Zealand !