A striking new residential project called Swisshouse XL has emerged in the historic village of Coldrerio, Switzerland, challenging conventional architectural forms with its distinctive octagonal design. Created by Davide Macullo Architects and completed in 2023, this 111-square-meter house represents a bold departure from typical residential construction while maintaining deep connections to the region's architectural heritage.
The project stands prominently on the edge of Coldrerio's historical core, occupying a site where small agricultural structures once supported local farming families. The house's most defining characteristic is its unusual octagonal floor plan, which architect Davide Macullo deliberately chose to create a subtle yet meaningful separation from the orthogonal grid pattern that dominates recent urban development in the area.
This geometric choice extends beyond mere aesthetic considerations, drawing conceptual inspiration from 19th-century architectural works throughout the region. Notably, the design references the triangular house created by architect Croci in nearby Mendrisio, demonstrating how contemporary architecture can honor historical precedents while establishing its own unique identity. The octagonal form gives Swisshouse XL what the architects describe as a "strong and distinctive character, reminiscent of traditional rural buildings."
The design team, led by Davide Macullo with Lorenza Tallarini, worked with an extensive group of specialized consultants and contractors to realize the project. The construction was managed by Giuliano Anzani and Pietro Calderari SA from Rancate, with structural engineering also provided by Pietro Calderari. The electrical systems were handled by Swisstechnology, while various other specialists including BPprog-energia, Carpenteria Bernet, and Pirmin Murer Falegnameria contributed their expertise to different aspects of the construction.
The house's exterior is characterized by clean concrete surfaces that reflect the Swiss tradition of precise, minimalist construction. The building's form creates a powerful presence in the landscape while respecting the scale and character of the surrounding historical context. Large windows punctuate the concrete walls, providing generous natural light and establishing strong visual connections between the interior spaces and the rural Swiss countryside.
Photographer Leonit Ibrahimi captured the completed project, documenting how the house's unconventional geometry creates dynamic relationships with light and shadow throughout the day. The images reveal how the octagonal plan generates interesting spatial sequences inside the house while creating a sculptural presence in the village setting.
Swisshouse XL represents a significant achievement in contemporary Swiss residential design, demonstrating how architects can honor regional building traditions while pushing the boundaries of conventional housing typologies. The project has been featured in architectural publications and continues to influence discussions about rural development and innovative residential design in Switzerland and beyond.
