Davide Macullo Architects has completed Swisshouse XL, an innovative single-family residence in Coldrerio, Switzerland, that creates a meaningful dialogue between historical and contemporary architecture. The home's distinctive octagonal plan serves as both a functional design element and a conceptual bridge connecting the old village core with newer urban developments in the surrounding area.
The architectural design draws significant inspiration from 19th-century regional building traditions while establishing a strong relationship with its transitional location. Positioned on the edge of a historical village core, the residence needed to respect the existing architectural fabric while introducing modern living concepts. The octagonal geometry was specifically chosen to reflect the proportions and typologies found in nearby historical structures, creating visual continuity that honors the area's architectural heritage.
The building's form is characterized by strategic cuts and voids that transform what could have been a solid, imposing mass into a sculptural volume with a sense of lightness. These carefully planned openings serve multiple purposes, optimizing views of the surrounding landscape while improving the home's orientation to natural light. The cuts carve out specific spaces that accommodate the main living areas, ensuring that each room benefits from thoughtful positioning within the octagonal framework.
A key design feature is the diagonally cut roof, which works in harmony with a strategically placed external staircase to reinforce the visual connection with historical buildings in the vicinity. This approach demonstrates how contemporary architecture can respectfully integrate into established neighborhoods without compromising either modern functionality or traditional aesthetics. The roof's angular cut creates dynamic shadows and adds architectural interest while maintaining the overall harmony of the streetscape.
The project includes a single-story garage that has been carefully integrated with the village's older buildings, further strengthening the relationship between new construction and the existing historical fabric. This integration required detailed attention to materials, proportions, and siting to ensure the addition feels like a natural extension of the neighborhood rather than an intrusive modern insertion.
Davide Macullo Architects Studio's overall composition represents a thoughtful architectural response that prioritizes site-specific design over purely formal concerns. The residence demonstrates how contemporary homes can successfully balance traditional elements with modern design requirements, creating buildings that are shaped by their context rather than imposed upon it. This approach results in architecture that contributes positively to the community's ongoing evolution while preserving its essential character.
