A border house: sustainable architecture between Italy and Switzerland

Natural Materials and Sustainable Design

The project was curated by LCA - Luca Compri Architetti and the house is developed on a rectangular plan, spread over two levels. On the ground floor, the entrance leads to an open space housing the kitchen, dining area, and living room, along with a bathroom and two bedrooms. The first floor, on the other hand, is exclusively dedicated to the master suite with a private bathroom, featuring a shower illuminated by zenithal light. The interaction between spaces is facilitated by an open and fluid spatiality, where the semi-communicating environments and the double height of the living room encourage relationships.

A distinctive element of the living area is the large pleated anthracite-colored wooden staircase, a true functional sculpture that, also designed as a bookcase, visually and physically connects the two floors of the house. The use of wood, metal, and cork is not accidental: these natural materials, chosen for their sustainability, reflect the intention to reduce the environmental impact of the project.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Integration

From an energy perspective, the house is equipped with an underfloor heating system and mechanical ventilation system, powered by photovoltaic solar panels, which help reduce energy consumption. The structure rests on a reinforced concrete foundation, raised above the ground, while the main frame is made of wood. The internal partition walls are made of fibrous plaster, with finishes in oak parquet and ceramics of various sizes.

Externally, cork covers the ground floor, with a 3D finish that adds a touch of elegance and movement to the facade. On the upper floor, both the vertical walls and the double-pitched roof are clad in anthracite-colored folded sheet metal, a material that harmonizes perfectly with the tones of the mountains and surrounding vegetation.

A work disappearing in the landscape

Despite its uniqueness compared to the neighboring houses, Noemi and Marco's house manages to harmoniously blend in with the landscape. The chromatic and material choices allow the building to camouflage itself with the natural environment, becoming almost an extension of the Prealps that dominate the horizon. Among the architecture projects, this represents not only a place of residence but a statement of intent: building sustainably is possible, and it can be done without sacrificing aesthetics and functionality.