studio inches crafts monolithic mecri museum extension in switzerland

studio inches crafts monolithic mecri museum extension in switzerland

located in the old town of minusio in switzerland and close to the border of italy, studio inches architettura have completed a museum extension that lends memory to the client’s father who was a well known archaeologist and painter. the ‘mecri museum’ took four years to realize and the approach was to refurbished the existing architecture and create a spacious exhibition extension to showcase a collection of artwork by the client’s father and other artists.

all images © simone bossi

the museum occupies a 19th century house located in a protected area near the architect’s office. the historical building was renovated and at the same time, a concrete volume was added with a perimeter wall created around the entire museum grounds. as the original stone wall wears over time, these new concrete boundaries will replace them and in turn, mark the inner courtyard that connects the two programs of the mecri museum.

the client is a 80 year old woman who wanted the museum to be in memory of her father aldo crivelli

the monolithic nature of the extension is characterized by the use of concrete in contrasting textures. internally, the white and minimal space has a pitched roof with a nine meter skylight that runs down the middle that invites a stream of light into the exhibition space.

the contemporary concrete extension was added next to the 19th century house

a nine meter long skylight penetrates the interior with light

the extension was planned in 2012 and realized in 2016

the architects chose to leave the existing stone walls (protected by regional law) untouched

the concrete was washed in order to create a finishing that integrates with the context

the space will display the client’s father’s artwork and work from other artists

the museum is set in an 19th century house in minusio, southern switzerland

the monolithic mass is strengthened by the use of local stone granite as a cladding

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