Landscape as architecture
In the small village of Origlio, Switzerland, Atelier Villa Trepp was born from a visionary collaboration between Mino Caggiula Architects and sculptor Alice Trepp. This live–work space is set into a natural hillside overlooking pastures and Monte Tamaro. Drawing inspiration from the site’s contour lines, the singular architecture follows the land’s topography — much like ancient Greek theaters — establishing a seamless dialogue between built form and landscape.
Cenote: a tribute to origins
At the heart of the building, a cenote evokes the freshwater holes of South America, the native land of the Ecuadorian sculptor. This opening serves both a symbolic and structural role: light refracts off the water’s surface, casting shimmering reflections onto the ceiling and enlivening the interiors. The cenote calls to mind the mystical spaces of contemplation, fostering artistic creation and reflection.
Inside, the architecture’s sculptural, curvilinear language manifests in sinuous walls and essential volumes. Natural light, filtered through the cenote, takes center stage: water reflections enliven surfaces, accentuating the feeling of a space suspended between earth and sky. Clean-lined furnishings and balanced finishes amplify this visual permeability, transforming the atelier into a living organism in harmony with its surroundings.
First floor plan:
- Cenote
- Plaster room
- Spa
- Utility room
- Artist’s studio
- Kitchen
- Living room
- Bedroom
- Closet
- Biopool
Minimal conceived the kitchen as a unique work of art, in tune with Mino Caggiula Architects’ vision and the client’s aspirations, and in harmony with the architecture. The back wall echoes the building’s curves with minimalist elegance, while every detail — from concealed cabinet doors to internal shelving — is optimized for maximum functionality. The M3 island, a monolith in Peltrox stainless steel with a clouded-like finish, reflects the cenote’s shifting light, animating the purity of its lines.
In the kitchen, the Metal Extra Matt Lacquer finish of the back wall contrasts with the interiors’ dominant white, creating a discreet yet sophisticated backdrop that highlights the stainless-steel island. The clouded-like Peltrox, with its subtle chromatic variations, adds movement to the monolith, while millimeter-precise cuts and flawless joints showcase Minimal’s bespoke craftsmanship.
