Refurbishment of a Holiday Residence is a minimalist house located in Collina d’Oro, Switzerland, designed by Raffaele Cammarata architetto. Overlooking the Lugano Lake, between the woods and the hill at its shoulders, we were called to transform an existing building, one constructed in the 50s. On the somewhat compact property you can see two spaces built at opposite ends – holiday home on one side, and a dock with a garage on the other, alongside two large trees. The concept is simple, a series of spaces optimized for a brief break, a moment of respite, similar to an experience in a private hotel stay.

Due to the nature of the project, we had to make the most of every inch of available space. An outdoor porch, an open living room with a kitchen, a bathroom, and a bedroom can be found, designed in relation to the outdoor space. A fundamental decision was to restore and highlight the stone basement on which the property resides, one that is typical of the historic properties bordering the Lugano Lake. The stone was extracted from a cave located on the lake, unique in that the cave no longer exists. Thanks to large glass panels, the interiors appear to stretch out toward the garden and lake.

Photography by Simone Bossi