Creating Stories by Transforming Spaces
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The project focuses on harmoniously integrating existing buildings with new additions, emphasizing transparency and light while enhancing functionality and aesthetics.
Additions and Access Points
A new structure on Via Enrico Guisan includes shared spaces, a staircase system, and a re-naturalized green area for quieter surroundings. On Via Enrico Dunant, a new elevator and stair system are added to the west side.
Space Layout and Apartments
Apartments range from studios to 6.5-room units, with top-floor duplexes. Layouts reflect urban organization: living areas face east and sleeping areas west on Via Enrico Guisan, with the reverse on Via Enrico Dunant.
Light and Transparency
Glass block walls and repurposed staircases create light wells, channeling natural light. The new facade uses steel columns and iron grids, enhancing permeability.
Materials and Textures
Inspired by existing terracotta floors, the design incorporates subtle terracotta accents. The west-side balcony slab extends interior space, while the facade features new Waschputz and Strukturputz finishes, with fine lime plaster for interior walls.
Repurposing Elements
Balconies are repurposed to extend interior space, and old staircases are transformed into light wells to bring more natural light into the central apartments.
Reuse and adapt
Designing of the furnishing concept for the new location, developed in collaboration with Marcella Wenger-Di Gabriele. Her experience and creativity greatly enriched the process. Our goal was to reuse and adapt as much as possible to suit the new space. The House of Color has a distinct character, with most of the furniture custom-made ("su misura").
Furniture Design
I designed the kitchen using existing and recycled elements from our previous tenants. It was crafted as a single piece by our carpenter. The lockers for the students were partly repainted and fitted with additional components. The new library and the drawer shelf in the AO were once a single piece. We reworked it and had two smaller, matching pieces made for the new location.
Dialogue Between Old and New
The new layout promotes seamless circulation around the central courtyard, connecting the southern plaza, the western private garden, and the new building with the existing structure. Carefully positioned openings and access points facilitate fluid movement between these areas. The new building combines concrete walls and prefabricated wooden elements, referencing materials from the Casa dei Landfogt. This approach creates a dialogue between old and new structures, honoring the site's historic character while incorporating modern construction techniques.
Openness and Enclosure
The original building, before its 1960s alterations, featured a high degree of permeability, with arches, staircases, and passageways connecting entrances, the balcony, and the courtyard. This balance between openness and enclosure is central to the new design. Simple concrete volumes now enclose the structure from the road, echoing the original U-shaped layout, while strategically placed openings enhance visual permeability, offering views through the space.
Function
The design maintains clear functional separation: the cultural center remains in the Casa dei Landfogt, the civic center occupies the new building, and shared spaces such as the foyer, bar, and multipurpose room are housed in the renovated corner building.
Efficient and innovative
Reimagining the Monte Amiata residential complex in Milan, building upon Aldo Rossi’s original design. Drawing inspiration from architectural masters such as Luis Barragán and Le Corbusier. Le Corbusier’s precise dimensions in his Cabanon (3.6 x 3.6 meters) and Lacaton & Vassal’s Villa Immeuble apartment building significantly influenced the concept, particularly their use of a central service module.
Colors
Inspired by the existing environment and Roccasalva’s artwork, the color palette adds depth and richness to the overall aesthetic.
Core
The layout centers around a multifunctional core that integrates service and utility areas. The restroom is constructed with plywood with PVC and is highlighted with light tones to accentuate its sculptural presence. It is featuring built-in lighting, serving as the primary light source for the entire apartment. To enhance spatial quality, walkways were introduced along the east and west sides, offering varying levels of privacy.
Fascination
This house is an old residential building from 1836, one of the last existing construction of its kind. It resonates with the city and its construction style says a lot about it‘s value. There are two very different facades, one facing the street, the other is looking towards a quiet courtyard, creating a stark contrast between the two facades.
Creating New Moments
I wanted to bring the two facades values together by creating new moments at the heart of the house. To achieve this, I placed the focus on the central axis, which is the supporting structure element of the house. Some punctual interventions create new tension points between the facades, the existing structure is still taken into consideration and keeping the soul of the house intact.
Chronicles
My exhibition offers a scenographic exploration of the Bellinzona castle, where the objects themselves take center stage. Visitors embark on an audio-guided journey through a narrow passage, symbolically traveling back in time and encountering significant historical events leading up to the 16th century.
Treasures of Time
The multisensory experience immerses visitors in the castle’s rich history, with vertical black structural elements contrasting against luminous white scenes, creating a striking visual impact within a dimly lit ambiance. The journey concludes in the “Wunderkammer” which, detached from the scenography, preserves the treasures of the past centuries.
Creating Moments
Renovation concept for an older hotel at the heart of the Gotthard Pass village. The project centers around a spacious restaurant with an integrated bar and terrace. The existing structure provides a rich foundation for creating new experiences. The large open space is divided into cozy niches by room-dividing benches with integrated lighting, offering privacy and a welcoming ambiance. Diverse, carefully chosen furniture defines distinct zones, adding character. A key feature is the large circular opening at the entrance, visually connecting the interior and inviting guests to explore.
Creating Moments
Renovation concept for an older hotel at the heart of the Gotthard Pass village. The project centers around a spacious restaurant with an integrated bar and terrace. The existing structure provides a rich foundation for creating new experiences. The large open space is divided into cozy niches by room-dividing benches with integrated lighting, offering privacy and a welcoming ambiance. Diverse, carefully chosen furniture defines distinct zones, adding character. A key feature is the large circular opening at the entrance, visually connecting the interior and inviting guests to explore.
Smart Design, Fresh Storage
Designed for the Green IT Foundation, this storage facility preserves fresh products, particularly cheese. To maintain a cool climate, the building features minimal openings to reduce heat intake. A bamboo roof provides shade for the metal roof, preventing overheating and regulating internal temperatures.
This project was a collaborative effort with students from the Hawassa University, Ethiopia. We worked exclusively with sketches, which were adjusted and refined on-site as needed, based on the conditions we encountered in Ethiopia. This flexible approach was essential for adapting the design to the local context. We worked with locally sourced materials providing both durability and sustainability, such as agrostone and bamboo, connecting them using iron wire.
As an interior designer, I am passionate about transforming spaces into functional yet inspiring environments. I'm currently open to new collaborations – whether you're envisioning a residential, commercial, or bespoke design project, let's bring your ideas to life together.
Reach out here, and let's create something extraordinary!
