Ca'dal Mantova in Prosito, Switzerland, designed by Andrea Frapolli fuses historical preservation with contemporary architecture, integrating ancient stone and new concrete into a modern family home, rooted in energy-efficient principles.
Positioned on two adjoining plots, this single-family residence stands as a respectful yet innovative reimagining of the rural landscape’s vernacular heritage. The original structures—a 15th-century building and an early 20th-century stable—form the foundation of a project that refuses demolition in favor of transformation, using these remnants as a springboard for contemporary spatial experimentation.
Frapolli’s approach begins with an understanding of the site’s intrinsic qualities, shared with the client: the spatial integrity and identity embedded in the ruins are seen as invaluable assets. The project embraces these characteristics by integrating the two pre-existing buildings and adding a new volume, which mimics the proportions of the adjacent stable. This addition amplifies the site’s architectural dialogue, creating a harmonious blend of old and new forms, rooted in local history but aimed at a modern lifestyle.
At the core of the residence, the central volume—which once housed the ancient building—hosts the entrance and kitchen, a dynamic nucleus around which the rest of the house pivots. Above, the living room is connected visually and spatially through double-height voids, allowing light and air to move freely throughout the space. Meanwhile, the former stable has been transformed into an intimate yet functional area housing the bedrooms and vertical circulation, seamlessly linking different parts of the house.
A key aspect of Ca'dal Mantova is its use of outdoor space as an integral part of the design. The second stable, repositioned slightly to create a courtyard, serves as a buffer between the house and neighboring structures, enhancing privacy and offering tranquil views from the wellness zone, studio, and master bedroom. This courtyard, framed by the new and old elements, acts as a mineral "curtain," further blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior.
The material choices reflect Frapolli's deep respect for both tradition and innovation. Exposed concrete, chosen for its structural and aesthetic properties, replaces stone in the new construction while harmonizing with the existing stone walls. The use of reclaimed wood from the original structures brings warmth and continuity to the interior, where uniformity is achieved by using the same materials for floors, walls, ceilings, and even some furnishings. The exterior envelope, nearly one meter thick, combines stone, insulation, and concrete, ensuring excellent energy efficiency and thermal comfort throughout the year.
