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Village Bridge

Vals, Schweiz Sandgestrahlte Bodenplatten aus Valser Quarzit marmoriert Dorfbrücke Vals

Built for Lasting Connections

The former steel truss bridge, dating from 1927, no longer met modern flood protection requirements. In 2010, it was replaced by an elegant bridge of concrete and stone, designed by engineer Jürg Conzett of Conzett Bronzini Gartmann. Peter Zumthor also contributed to the project’s conceptual development. Today, the bridge is regarded as one of Switzerland’s most distinguished examples of contemporary bridge engineering, combining modern construction with the traditional building culture of Vals. The bridge spans the river at a slight angle, aligning itself with the village square. Its deliberately understated design allows it to blend harmoniously into the surrounding village, creating a strong connection between infrastructure, landscape and architecture. In 2013, the Vals Village Bridge received the Gute Bauten Graubünden architectural award. More about the project

Material supplier: Truffer AG

Material & contribution by Truffer

The load bearing structure is made of reinforced concrete and clad in Vals Quartzite. The bridge deck is paved with thick, sandblasted slabs of marbled Vals Quartzite. The side walls are one of the bridge’s defining architectural features. Large format vertical slabs of Vals Quartzite are precisely set between the reinforced concrete structure, creating a refined and timeless appearance.

Architectural features

Angled alignment: Rather than crossing the river at a right angle, the bridge is deliberately positioned at a slight angle.

Part of an integrated flood protection scheme: Together with the Vals Quartzite retaining walls, the school bridge and the Rovanada Bridge, it forms a coherent architectural ensemble.

Timeless design language: Its restrained architectural expression reflects and complements the character of the village of Vals.

Sustainability & regional values

Vals Quartzite for the Vals Village Bridge.