This concrete residence is situated in the Komano Mountains, northern Lugano, Switzerland. It stands as a standalone villa within a village setting. The site, formerly vineyards, has a narrow trapezoidal shape that defines the building’s footprint. The east and west sides of the property offer appealing landscapes, while the north and south sides are bordered by neighboring houses. Consequently, the villa is designed as a series of habitable walls.
To prevent the building from feeling excessively long and enclosed, while maintaining privacy, the side facades are connected through a sequence of long, deep rectangular wings.
The building utilizes grey reinforced concrete, treated differently depending on the application. The on-site poured concrete wings alternate with filling elements created using the traditional “strollato” technique, common in Lombardy villas. This method involves mixing pebbles with cement, manually smoothing with a trowel, and polishing, blending ancient craftsmanship with modern construction.
The first floor occupies most of the available space, housing key functional areas: reception room, kitchen, workshop, guest rooms with separate entrances, garage, and a spacious terrace extending from the lounge. This terrace acts as a transition between indoor and outdoor living.
▲ First floor plan
The second floor covers a smaller area and is dedicated to private living spaces, including a three-bedroom suite and a children’s activity room. Its asymmetrical layout contrasts with the first floor. From the street, the house appears to gradually diminish in size, while from the rear swimming pool, it presents an opposite perspective.
▲ Second floor plan
The basement houses a wine cellar, sauna, and gym. These three levels are connected by a landscaped staircase located centrally in the living room, serving as the home’s focal point.
▲ Basement floor plan
▲ Roof plan
▲ South elevation view
▲ East elevation view
▲ Sectional view
Project Information
Project Type: Independent Residential Building
Location: Comano, Switzerland
Designer: DF-DC
Area: 505.0 m²
Year: 2018
Photographers: Giorgio Marafioti, Simone Bossi
Manufacturers: Glutz, Knauf, Stobag, VARENNA
Lead Architects: Dario Franchini, Diego Calderon
Design Team: Nicola Andreani, Nicole Vairetti, Veronica Marzorati
Engineer: AF Toscano
Landscape Designer: Thierry Dalcan
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