A remarkable concrete residence in Switzerland's Tremona district showcases innovative architectural design through its signature continuous window band that wraps around the living spaces. Located in Mendrisio, this 2,906-square-foot single-family home by Celoria Architects demonstrates how modern concrete construction can harmoniously blend with natural terrain while maximizing scenic views.
The three-story residence takes full advantage of its steep hillside location through a vertical development strategy that follows the natural slope of the land. At the base level, a concrete foundation houses the sleeping quarters and garage, partially embedded into the earth to create a sense of grounding with the natural landscape. This solid foundation supports the more open architectural elements above.
The home's most striking feature is its upper-level living area, designed as what the architects describe as "a domestic observatory facing the landscape." This bright, open space is defined by a continuous four-foot-high perimeter window that forms a transparent ribbon embracing panoramic views of the surrounding woodlands. The glazing creates an uninterrupted visual connection with the forest to the east and establishes a direct relationship with green spaces to the north.
Inside the suspended upper volume, the living space flows seamlessly with minimal interruptions to the open floor plan. Only essential elements like a small pantry and kitchen area break up the fluid continuity of the space. A four-pitched roof rests on eight structural pillars, creating interior heights that vary dramatically between four and eighteen feet, establishing a dynamic play of proportions that enhances both the sense of refuge and openness.
The project team included builder Pietro Calderari, civil engineer Brenni Engineering, and lighting design by P&P Studio Elettrotecnico. Photography was provided by both Giorgia Marafioti and Celoria Architects, capturing the home's integration with its natural surroundings and the quality of light that filters through the continuous glazing.
The internal organization centers around a vertical circulation core featuring a staircase that connects all three levels. Rather than serving as merely a functional element, this central spine becomes what the architects call "a hinge between depth and lightness, between shadow and light," creating a dramatic focal point that anchors the home's spatial experience.
According to the design team, the residence was conceived to fulfill the client's desire for a peaceful retreat where time can expand while reading by the fireplace, and where she can welcome her children's families during school holidays. The home successfully balances the need for silence and intimacy while maintaining strong visual connections with the surrounding Swiss landscape, creating a modern architectural statement that respects both human comfort and natural beauty.
