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Light, air, mountains: Stone house in Ascona

Photo: Hannes Henz
The residential house with its romantic palm tree garden is located on a steep slope surrounded by high retaining walls built of traditional natural stone. At the same time the structure offers spectacular views over the roofs of the neighbouring buildings onto Lake Maggiore and the mountains.
In their alteration work the architects responded to the given situation, with the result that new elements in natural stone lend the house a contemporary touch while integrating it with the neighbourhood. An existing stone wall along the street has been interrupted to create a new and generously-sized entrance situation complete with a parking space paved in natural stone. A gently rising ramp leads from the entrance gate down to the lower garden level. The main entrance and two small bedrooms are situated on the lower floor, while the upper floor contains the living room with a dining and kitchen area. A large window looking out onto the lake and framed by rough stone walls creates a special atmosphere.
In their alteration work the architects responded to the given situation, with the result that new elements in natural stone lend the house a contemporary touch while integrating it with the neighbourhood. An existing stone wall along the street has been interrupted to create a new and generously-sized entrance situation complete with a parking space paved in natural stone. A gently rising ramp leads from the entrance gate down to the lower garden level. The main entrance and two small bedrooms are situated on the lower floor, while the upper floor contains the living room with a dining and kitchen area. A large window looking out onto the lake and framed by rough stone walls creates a special atmosphere.