monolithic home

Located in Brissago Switzerland overlooking Lake Maggiore on the south side of the Alps sits a concrete monolithic home. Despite its hard angles and firm shape, it feels to be right at home in the natural environment.
Designed by Wespi de Meuron Romeo Architects the house is built into the topography of the mountains that rise out of Lake Maggiore. As you approach from the land, the home seems small and utilitarian, just a few concrete walls that separate a parking lot from the cliff. Made with solid washed concrete inside and out the cool, natural colour of the stone-tinted concrete feels at home in the mountain environment. Despite the hard angles, the home manages to appear soft and warm. The interior spaces feel cavernous, but comfortable. It’s rare to find a home that is so rigid in linear philosophy but balanced in nature and intent.
photography by hannes henz