buzzi architetti clads swiss residences with patchwork bricks

buzzi architetti clads le stelle residences with patchwork brick pattern
photo by marcelo villada
all images courtesy of buzzi architetti

on the outskirts of locarno, a city in southern switzerland, buzzi architetti has completed a residential complex comprising three separate brick buildings. named ‘le stelle’, the spatial character of the project references the few still existing villas in the area, and the memory of the ones that were demolished.

photo by marcelo villada

hallways have been abolished throughout the scheme, lending the dwelling’s interiors a fluid spatiality. external loggias can be converted into sealed conservatories, while the rational use of only three window dimensions ensures that rational and coherent façades are presented throughout.

photo by marcelo villada

in order to reinforce the relationship with neighboring brick structures, a robot-assembled modular façade was developed in collaboration with ROB technologies and pfungen-based keller ziegeleien. the bricks of each module bend inwards or outwards, reminiscent of bossage — uncut protruding stone.

photo by marcelo villada

ROB mathematically parameterized the modules for the production, while keller developed custom clay bricks in a desert sand shade. applying the randomly generated combination of panels on each of the three building faces, the design team created a patchwork covering. from this solid façade the planned apertures were then cut, resulting in an unpredictable series of elevations.

photo by tessa donati