cork-covered border house by LCA architetti showcases sustainable solutions in italy

wood, metal, and cork-coated border house by LCA architetti

Located on the border between Italy and Switzerland and backdropped by the Prealps mountains, the Border House project by Varese-based practice LCA architetti embodies a vision for a more sustainable world. The cork-clad house, designed for a young couple of border workers passionate about the environment, showcases the innovative use of often-overlooked natural materials. Driven by concerns over the ongoing climate crisis, the owners consciously opted to showcase that construction can transcend traditional materials like concrete and bricks, by employing wood, metal, and cork in its design.

all images by Simone Bossi

border house features two-level living and sculptural staircase

LCA architetti places the kitchen with a central island and breakfast area, a double-height living room with a dining table, a bathroom, and two children’s bedrooms on the ground floor. Border house’s first floor allows a view to the living room and houses the master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, whose shower uses zenith lighting. The design by the architects enhances conviviality as family members can interact from different rooms and levels using common elements and spaces. The main attractions of the house are the two-level living area and the large staircase linking the two floors. The sculptural staircase, built with pleated wood is covered in anthracite grey paint. The feature set against the living area wall (originally conceived as a staircase/bookcase) fills the height of the space, opening a dialogue between the contrasting ceramic volumes of the backsplash and the big porthole opening up to the mountains.

the entire ground floor exterior is clad in cork, uncovered, and pantographed

low utility consumption and sustainable materials in italy

The house’s utility consumption is low, thanks to a heating system paired with a controlled mechanical ventilation system. This efficiency is further enhanced by a solar panel system. The owners aimed to create a truly sustainable building using wood, metal, and cork. The foundation is reinforced, compacted concrete, elevated about 50 cm above the ground, and above it, lies the wooden frame structure of the house. The materials and color palette used, blend with the surrounding landscape. Inside, the dividing panels are made of fiber plaster, while the finishes feature oak parquet and tiles of varying sizes. The entire ground floor exterior is clad in cork, uncovered, and pantographed. This simple yet elegant decoration adds sophistication to the external volume, which might otherwise appear too austere. On the first floor, the vertical walls and pitched roof are covered in anthracite standing seam metal.

solar panel systems enhance the low utility consumption of the house

the sculptural staircase is built with pleated wood and covered in anthracite grey paint

the design of the residence enhances conviviality between family members

the kitchen features a central island and breakfast area

the materials and color palette used in the interior create a serene atmosphere

the ceramic porthole opens up to the mountains

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Border house is located between Italy and Switzerland and backdropped by the Prealps mountains

the owners' care for the environment allowed experimentation with natural materials

the main attractions are the two-level living area and the large staircase linking the two floors

project info:

name: Border House
designer: LCA ARCHITETTI / LUCA COMPRI ARCHITETTI | @lca_architetti

location: Porto Ceresio, Italy

area: 186 sqm (2002 sqft) 

photographer: Simone Bossi | @simonebossiphotographer

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edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom