The residential project in San Nazzaro, Switzerland, designed by Wespi de Meuron Romeo architects, showcases a topographical approach to refined architectural design strategies.The project is located on an irregular polygonal plot in the Ticino region (with a maximum elevation difference of 4.7 meters). Under strict setback requirements (≥3m from the street, ≥2.5m from the hillside), the architects adopted a dual geometric system of “envelope-core”: the external contour conforms to boundary conditions to generate an irregular polyhedron (with a minimum edge length of 2.3m), while the interior embeds a standard rectangular living module of 12.8m × 8.4m.This approach not only meets planning requirements but also ensures the regularity of the core functional spaces.
The spatial organization of the building presents a clear hierarchical feature: the upper level (+3.2m) contains the living and dining kitchen spaces, achieving lighting and ventilation through a bi-directional courtyard; the middle level (±0.0m) is arranged with four bedrooms and bathrooms, relying on a single-sided light courtyard for natural light; the lower level (-2.5m) accommodates equipment rooms and storage spaces, utilizing indirect lighting methods.The spatial sequence is meticulously designed, with the main entrance creating a progressive entry experience through a 3m wide transitional courtyard and a 1.8m thick wall opening, while vertical circulation employs a design strategy of separating indoor and outdoor stairs (with outdoor stair treads measuring 16cm in height and 28cm in depth).
The choice of materials reflects a response to the regional environment: the concrete uses a 1:3 cement-aggregate ratio, incorporating local basalt aggregates, with the surface treated by high-pressure water jet washing (exposed aggregate particle size of 5-8mm). Long-term observations show that over three years, the color difference of the concrete surface ΔE=7.3 (CIELAB standard), combined with the growth of climbing plants (Ivy, Hedera helix) on embedded stainless steel mesh (10cm × 10cm grid), creates a dynamic facade expression.
In terms of light and shadow control, the project has constructed a complete passive lighting system: a reflective wall with a 54° angle is set along the lakeside (with a surface roughness Ra=3.2mm and a measured light reflectance of 62%), precisely matching the solar altitude angle on the winter solstice; the skylight system consists of three north-facing light tubes (diameter 45cm) and four south-facing adjustable louver skylights. Measured data from winter 2023 shows that the illuminance in the main living room reaches 350-1800 lux, with temperature fluctuations controlled at 20.5±1.2℃, significantly outperforming traditional residential lighting and thermal performance.
Project Name:House in San NazzaroCompletion Year: 2021Project Address:San Nazzaro, Ticino, Switzerland Architect:Wespi de Meuron Romeo architectsPhotography:Giacomo Albo
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