cuts and voids carve swisshouse xl's solid octagonal block by davide macullo architects

SWISSHOUSE XL’s octagonal plan links old and new architecture

Davide Macullo Architects designs the Swisshouse XL, a single-family home in Coldrerio, Switzerland, that establishes a dialogue with its surroundings. The design reinterprets local architectural traditions, integrating the structure into a transitional space between a historical village core and newer urban developments.

The home is defined by its octagonal plan, a form that acts as a conceptual link between the old and new urban contexts. This geometry is influenced by 19th-century regional architecture. The building’s shape, including a diagonally cut roof and strategically placed external staircase, reflects the proportions and typologies of nearby historical structures, creating visual continuity between the new and existing architecture.

all images by Leonit Ibrahimi, courtesy of Davide Macullo Architects

Sculptural residence by Davide Macullo is shaped by its context

The design of Swisshouse XL emphasizes a balance between solid mass and voids. The volume is sculpted to create a sense of lightness while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. The cuts in the octagonal form are designed to optimize views and orientation, carving out spaces that host living areas. This approach results in a sculptural volume that is shaped by its context rather than by purely formal intentions.

The integration of a single-story garage with the village’s older buildings reinforces the relationship between the new construction and its historical fabric. The overall composition by Davide Macullo Architects Studio is a thoughtful architectural response to its specific site, embodying a balance between traditional elements and contemporary design.

the residence is located on the edge of a historical village core

the octagonal plan connects old and new architecture

the work is inspired by 19th-century regional works

situated at the intersection of two urban conditions

the central octagonal shape acts as an urban pivot

a cut in the volume lightens the northern elevation

a sculptural volume shaped by its context

geometric cuts define the volume

the garage aligns with historical village structures

carved to create space and optimal orientation

a balance between solid and void

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project info:

name: SWISSHOUSE XL COLDRERIO
architect: Davide Macullo | @davidemaculloarchitects

location: Coldrerio, Switzerland

photographer: Leonit Ibrahimi | @leonitibrahimi