In a residential settlement on a hill in the surroundings of Varese, Piemonte, Italy, Casa CS embraces the privileged landscape context by making the view and the light from the southwest exposure tangible presences in its architecture. Engaging with the beauty of the outdoors and the opposite pursuit of intimacy and concentration are the goals of the project
The architectural projects of duearchitetti always have a deep connection with the place where they arise and with the individuals who inhabit them. Casa CS is no exception and manages to include both the sky and nature that surrounds it, as well as a concept of space designed for two where, thanks to large full-height sliding panels, ideal fluid rooms are created for any desired situation
Casa CS is born from the reworking of a pre-existing project that organized the spaces on two levels adapting to the steep section of the lot. The lower floor is inserted into the hill like a natural stone terracing, developing longitudinally and hosting the sleeping area, the study, and the gym. The upper level rests and fits like a boulder to the underlying structure, becoming the main entrance overlooking the higher road level. Here you can also find the pool carved into the stone wall section and the large terrace created on the garage roof
The large glass surfaces open Casa CS to the landscape, while fluid and continuous paths among wooden panels lead to the internal functional cores. The project is based on the freedom of each inhabitant, understanding it and offering protection, identifying areas for sharing and those dedicated to solitude. The result is a space where boundaries, marked by large full-height sliding panels, can be modulated based on the moment's needs, without ever having to close the door to isolate oneself but rather creating "cracks of companionship, light, and curiosity" (duearchitetti)
An important compositional theme is the lights and shadows created by the sun that enters the house, and the concrete floor in the living area amplifies the contrasts. On the lower floor, instead, the wood softens the differences, blends the tones, and creates a restful atmosphere. The water mirror of the pool brings even more into the house the variable brushstrokes of the sky, and inside, not far away, the ground fireplace warms the bodies and hearts with its fire
