Project: House in Sonvico
Architects: Martino Pedrozzi
Location: Sonvico, Switzerland
Area: 2,690 sf
Photographs by: Pino Brioschi
House in Sonvico by Martino Pedrozzi
The House in Sonvico project is a design by Martino Pedrozzi which is located on a beautiful plot in Sonvico, Switzerland. This contemporary dwelling is surrounded by natural landscapes and beautiful views so naturally, the design takes advantage of that.
A one story house on a quite steep slope. That was the challenge imposed by topography and client. A most welcome challenge of course: to us one story architecture is the best condition for good architecture.
Its solution stays in the section of the project: a big horizontal prestressed slab of fifteen by twenty meters sitting on the natural land on one hand and laying on two gigantic round pillars on the opposite site. Above twenty pillars sustain the roof. Under a main space is created for outdoor living.
The house structure is external and integrally made in concrete. None of its parts penetrate the internal insulated spaces that are organized around a central void, between slab and roof.
Ceramic white tiles, shiny and opaque defining a graphic pattern, contrast with concrete and enclose the indoor living spaces.
Where the house lays on the ground, there is the access. Descending upstream the slope a big porch introduces the house main door.
Inside, the square-shaped ground floor is divided between public and private spaces. Public spaces like entrance hall, living room, dining room and studio are placed in the middle of the sides. Private spaces like bedrooms and kitchen find their place in the corners and when it is necessary can be isolated from the rest.
The central void makes the connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces. A staircase leads down to a paved and partially covered surface integrating a swimming pool, a laying and a dining area, surrounded by an impressive natural environment.
