LOCATION

The residential complex "Archi di Luce" designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron is situated in a splendid city of Lugano (Canton Ticino, Switzerland) on the territory of historic Villa Favorita Park that occupies 800 meters of lakeside and has a total surface area of at about 40'000 m2. The complex occupies an area of approx. 6'000 m2 and comprises 8 prestigious villas (from 671 sqm up to 1'314 sqm), nestled among the park’s lush Mediterranean vegetation with palms, magnolias, camellias, cedars, cypresses and pines. The Mediterranean-like climate and quiet, secluded environment make the park an ideal and dream location. The unique location offers the opportunity to live in the historic Villa Favorita park with its beautiful panoramic 220° view over the lake, stretching from east to west.

Lugano is conveniently located in the center of Europe: just 75 km from Milan and 200 km from Zurich, and only 20 minutes taxi ride from Lugano-Agno airport.

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

The Archi di Luce is a contemporary architectural structure  which showcases features typical of historical facades found in Romanticism and Classicism. The architecture of the villas is characterized by the semi-circular shapes cuted into the buildings, enhancing the refined elegance of the location.The use of circles, arches and vaults as an essential tool for defining the living spaces, let light and air into the homes, creating small internal patios with provide an open, but also private space, and enable one to enjoy a view of the lake from any position. There are gardens at both the back and the front of the villas, and the green terraces provide the ideal place for basking in the sun. Materials were chosen according to both functional and aesthetic criteria: on the one hand, they guarantee solidity and durability, and, on the other, they help to provide warmth and create harmony with the neighboring historical buildings and surrounding environment through the warm colors of the wall coatings and external paving.

The villas are aimed at discerning individuals who value privacy, discretion and safety and are looking for a high-end property with plenty of open space. 

LAYOUT

The villas are arranged on at least three levels, and some also have a studio on the upper level. Spacious living and dining areas on the ground floor offer views and access to the south-facing gardens and, where applicable, to the pool. The stunning view of the lake is framed by tall pine trees, while smaller trees and shrubs in each garden create a micro-environment that enhances the privacy of each residence.

A staircase leads up through the centre of each villa, connecting all levels from the street to the private garden. This offers an impressive visual continuum  between the living areas on the various levels, transmitting a sense of movement throughout the villa, similar to the feeling of walking down a mountain and admiring the lake below.

Despite the fact that these houses are compact in volume and share a common architectural design, they nonetheless retain their individual character having been designed as eight individual residences, each offering a high level of tranquillity and privacy.