Villa 101 - Private house

Monte Brè, Lugano, Switzerland

Photo © Swissurf, M. Villada

Architects: Architetti Tibiletti Associati

Location: Monte Brè, Lugano, Switzerland
Year: 2009

The villa is located on the slopes of Monte Brè, on a steep lot facing southeast towards Lake Lugano. The geometric complexity of the site and the proximity to the church of Aldesago determine the limits and form of the design. The building extends for 55 meters, bending slightly at two thirds of the length, with a width varying from 5 to 8.5 meters. The plan is organized in five different parts, three that are served and two that serve: a studio/guest zone, a two-story living area, and a bedroom zone with an indoor swimming pool, while the other two parts contain the vertical accessways and services. The setbacks of these volumes form a main covered terrace and a pond with water lilies. The succession of different places and the alternation of full and empty zones create perspective views of the landscape.

The section of the house is inserted in the existing topography with five excavated levels: three below ground with cellars, technical spaces, a fitness zone and the main entrance, and two facing the valley. Four skylights open to the sky and the hill cut and subdivide the villa, bringing light to the service zones. The regular pattern of the load-bearing structure sets the rhythm of its parts. The construction is composed of slabs and walls in fair-face reinforced concrete. The external walls, together with plantings, define the spaces of the garden.