Eggemoa House in South Tyrol by Daniel Ellecosta

The house is located in the idyllic mountain village of Mühlwald. South Tyrolean architect Daniel Ellecosta is responsible for the design. An old, disused mill with a workshop in the courtyard had to be demolished to make way for the new building, which was designed to match the style of the existing ones.

The new building's appearance is based on the simple agricultural architecture of the valley's mills, but with a contemporary twist.  © Gustav Willeit

Daniel Ellecosta identified three key priorities for the Eggemoa House: naturalness, locality and sustainability. The house is built on a stepped base of sandblasted exposed concrete containing local aggregates. On top of this is a solid timber structure with a ridge facing downhill. Vertical and horizontal larch wood structures the natural facade, which will change colour over time due to weathering. All of the wood used comes from the farm's own forest. Metal railings and a grey sheet metal roof complement the clearly structured appearance. 

Due to the challenging topography, the entrance to the family home is located on the north side, in the attic. This is followed by a small entrance area and an open, light-filled hallway with a staircase connecting all levels inside. The hallway opens onto a spacious living area with a wood-burning stove, a kitchen with a utility and storage room, and a small toilet. Large windows bring daylight into the interior and offer views of the surrounding mountain landscape. The basement comprises the private areas: three bedrooms and a bathroom. The interior design is also influenced by the exterior materials: solid larch wood decorates almost all of the floors, walls, and ceilings. Exposed concrete accentuates the living area and is also a prominent feature of the bathroom design. 

The interior of the detached house is characterised by solid larch wood and exposed concrete. © Gustav Willeit

The house, nestled on an Alpine slope, impresses with its contemporary take on local building traditions and its seamless integration into the landscape. The combination of regional materials and minimalist architecture creates a modern living space that, despite its clean lines, radiates warmth. The building is designed to be energy efficient and uses district heating.