Tucked away in a hidden spot with spectacular views over Lake Lugano, this traditional home has been given a thoroughly modern makeover
EXTERIOR
The stone house might be tricky to access, but that is more than compensated by the stunning views over Lake Lugano and the surrounding countryside. (Opposite) Homeowners Simona and Lorenzo with one of their sons, Leon, and Dali the cat
KITCHEN
The custom joinery was made to feel like it is part of the home’s architecture for a clean, streamlined look.
THE WORK TOOK ALMOST A YEAR AND WAS A CHALLENGE SINCE THE HOUSE IS SO DIFFICULT TO REACH, BUT IT WAS ALL WORTH IT
DINING AREA
‘We wanted to create a sober and relaxing place, with a real connection between inside and out,’ say the designers. Large new windows, like the ones here, frame the landscape outside.
LIVING AREA
While the aesthetic is modern, the materials used reflect the heritage of the house – the exposed concrete beams pay homage to the stone the house was built from.
There is no trace of Lorenzo and Simona’s house on Google Maps. It is hidden among the trees and rocks of the glacial lake landscape on the Italian shore of Lake Lugano, a stone’s throw from the Swiss border. ‘We like the quietness of this place,’ say the couple, who are originally from the area and have two young sons. W hen Lorenzo had the opportunity to fix up his maternal grandfather’s house, they didn’t give it asecond thought, leaving town and moving in. The house, made of local stone, resembles a cabin and is built halfway up the hillside. It’s the last dwelling before the forest and is accessible only on foot, via asteep iron staircase that winds up a slope bet ween bushes and trees. ‘The steep and wild terrain puts the neighbouring houses at a distance, while preserving the view of the panorama,’ say the architects of studio wok, the design team behind the building’s rejuven
