X-11 KOESSLER | X-TERN architects+urban planners

The particular (and not favourable) conditions of the site where this 9 apartments building will be built and the clients’ requests had a strong influence in the final design. At a certain point, in fact, it almost seemed that there was no solution for the equation. The result was eventually reached playing with a contra-position of symmetry/asymmetry and with an interesting interpenetration of solids. In order to maximize the architectural effectiveness of this latter design concept, the façades of the different solids are finished with different materials and colours. The presence of a water-bearing stratum close to the surface of the site lead to the choice of adopting special additives in the concrete used to build the underground level hosting the parking area. The south-east façade is clad with grey HLP panels and is enriched by the presence of large balconies whose irregular shape characterize the entire front. The north-west façade (facing a very busy street) shows a delicate stoneware facing interrupted by smaller balconies. Two separate steel staircases lead to the private terraces on the roof, from which one can enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. Both are equipped with metal pergolas. The building was designed to obtain the “CasaClima” certificate, a sort of quality brand that the local government gives to the new constructions with future low energy costs and low impact on the environment.