Residenza M

The project involves the arrangement of the interior and exterior spaces of an apartment that occupies the top three floors of an existing building above Lake Lugano. The clients wanted a customized solution which could improve the usability of the spaces and add domestic warmth while respecting the rationalist character of the Ticino architecture.

The ‘key’ element of the proposed solution is the Teak boiserie. It is present on every floor and "hides" the presence of the various service spaces (bathrooms, storage, elevator and internal staircase).The continuous wooden surface intimates a sense of unity between the different parts of the apartment.

The choice of materials was guided by the desire to maintain the perception of continuity between the indoor and outdoor spaces. The floors were covered with basalt while teak was used for the decking around the swimming pool. The windows and doors were replaced with new elements which reduce the separation to a minimum.

The pool is covered in black marble and was raised above garden level so as to give it a sculptural presence. The same principle was applied to the hot tub installed on the panoramic roof top.

To connect the gardens on the various levels, a stairway in dark concrete was created in situ. The anthracite color resembles that of the basalt used for the walkways.

Most of the furnishings were custom made, while the lighting was incorporated into the architecture. A few ‘Design icons‘ such as the Arco lamp and the Bertoia chairs complete the set.