lugano-based practice davide macullo architects has completed swisshouse XXXV, a residence part of a broader project of artistic and architectural interventions in the calanca valley in the heart of the swiss alps. this valley already hosts some of the practice’s works, creating a bridge between the DNA of a place and its future through its built environment.

timber clads interior and exterior of davide macullo architect's swisshouse XXXV
all images by fabrice fouillet

 

 

swisshouse XXXV by davide macullo architects is an example of how a small volume can be central to the already existing architecture. the project consisted of a small intervention that references the movement of the rocky walls, the erosion of the calancasca river and the stubbornness of the plant and animal life. the proposed timber volume is in dialogue with the vernacular buildings present in the village’s nucleus, taking on its forms and dimensions.

timber clads interior and exterior of davide macullo architect's swisshouse XXXV

 

 

the extension features the primary shape of a cube built in timber. its lightness can be read from the inside which stands in contracts with its external presence. the openings are oriented so that the surrounding landscape merges inside a flow of nearness and distance, capturing the transformations of the environment given by natural light. the roof is the result of an analysis of the surrounding context, including the different styles of roofs and slopes present in the village of augio. its inclined surfaces suddenly disappear from view, confusing the perspective until the user enters the building. 

timber clads interior and exterior of davide macullo architect's swisshouse XXXV

timber clads interior and exterior of davide macullo architect's swisshouse XXXV

timber clads interior and exterior of davide macullo architect's swisshouse XXXV

timber clads interior and exterior of davide macullo architect's swisshouse XXXV

timber clads interior and exterior of davide macullo architect's swisshouse XXXV

timber clads interior and exterior of davide macullo architect's swisshouse XXXV

timber clads interior and exterior of davide macullo architect's swisshouse XXXV

timber clads interior and exterior of davide macullo architect's swisshouse XXXV

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Z:\Altro\AJ - SITO\Sito_2015\CONTENUTI\PROGETTI\440-AUGIO-SWISSHOUSE EXTENSION\CAD\Mapp. 1135_Augio_Piani domanda di costruzion
 
Z:\Altro\AJ - SITO\Sito_2015\CONTENUTI\PROGETTI\440-AUGIO-SWISSHOUSE EXTENSION\CAD\Mapp. 1135_Augio_Piani domanda di costruzion
 

 

project info:

 

name: swisshouse XXXV

designed by: davide macullo architects

location: augio, switzerland