2014 – 2018
The Bellinzona neighbourhood of Madonna della Neve is located in a sheltered hollow overlooking the Magadino Plain. Still today, the steep slope is partly covered by vinyards that are crossed by ancient paths which offer pleasant walks towards the mountains above.
The plot, situated beside the imposing stone portal of the municipal waterworks, has a somewhat irregular shape and part of it, towards the mountain, is very steep.
The construction is inserted parallel to the contours, following the undulations of the old vineyard. Facing the hillside, the C-shaped volume encloses a small garden, almost a patio, flat and secluded, providing a place of valuable privacy related to the surrounding natural elements. From the patio, through the transparence of the living area, the view over the Magadino Plain can be discerned.
Access to the house is by the lower floor, where the utility rooms, garage and a small 2.5 room flat are located. The main apartment is reached through a double-height entrance hall.
The façades are screened by bronze-coloured adjustable sliding brise-soleil, which decorate the façades with ever-changing patterns.
Photographs 1-4: © 2019 Filippo Simonetti
Photographs 5-13: © 2018 Marcelo Villada Ortiz