Bianchi House, Villa in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland
Bianchi House is a villa with a square tower shape, each side measuring ten meters, with vertical elements creating connection to the surrounding mountain landscape. The structure is reached via an eighteen-meter metal bridge that runs from the mountainside to the upper entrance area.
Architect Mario Botta designed and built the house between 1971 and 1973 for couple Carlo and Leontina Bianchi on their inherited plot. The project emerged as an example of his early experimental approaches to building on challenging terrain.
The house blends regional building traditions with contemporary design while showing respect for the surrounding mountain landscape. Visitors can observe how local architectural styles like towers and hunting lodges flow into the modern structure.
The metal bridge at the entrance is the main access point, so visitors should watch their footing and allow time to get oriented. Climbing through the interior levels requires physical effort, but the stairs are well-structured and lead through varying heights.
The house was deliberately designed so that density decreases as one moves upward, creating interior terraces that allow light and air to pass through. Each of the four facades is shaped differently and responds to specific views of Lake Lugano and surrounding forests.
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