The property is located on the west side of the “Lago Maggiore”, in the Italian mountain village of “Donego”. It is a village that has been almost completely preserved in its original state, with buildings constructed of local granite stone in a technique that is typical of the region.
Due to its original and mostly well-preserved buildings, Donego is a protected site and forms the basis for the architectural approach.

The steeply south-facing hillside plot is parted into three, already existing, levels of height. All three terraced areas offer an extraordinary view across the lake.
On these levels, there already are buildings made of stone; so-called “Rustici”. The concept is to restore, carefully convert and add to them in the typical local way. The fundamental idea is to create a “village within the village”. The courtyard on the middle level as the centre of the ensemble builds the “marketplace” and focal point. The existing structures of the Rustici frame the yard, while it opens up towards the spectacular panorama of the lake and mountain landscape to the south. To emphasize this framing aspect even more, a new building will be placed on the north side of the courtyard, embedded into the existing rocks. A large, rectangular opening creates a link between the inside and outside. Two steps lead down into the new building, the salon. This gesture of carving into the rock is supposed to be recognizable from the inside too.

The lower level on the property is designed as a mixture of a paved area and a lush green garden oasis with a little plunge pool to the west. A narrow staircase provides access to the lower garden level, from which a footpath leads directly to the lake.

Building project: Rustici Donego | conversion of an listed Rustici at the Lago Maggiore
Client: private
Design: 2022