Casa Fontana

Status: 2000
Location: Lugano Switzerland

Client: Private Client
Value: Confidential

 

“A work of mature, classical modernism…it is a convincing vision of civilised life, at once sophisticated, well-made and dignified.”Rowan Moore, Domus

 

The brief was to create a contemporary home on the steep mountain slopes above Lake Lugano with views over the lake, mountains and city of Lugano.

The house is essentially set into the mountain, with terraces extending inside the house to overlap internal and external space. Views were controlled with wider ‘framed’ openings in communal areas and smaller openings in more intimate rooms.

A sliding half panel between the kitchen and double-height living room allows for sociable dining or to screen food preparation. Traditional materials- travertino stone, white oak and teak weather and acquire a patina over time, allowing the house to blend into the landscape.

 

Awards
2004 RIBA Worldwide Award

 

Credits
Photography: Patrick Engquist and Simon Phipps