Located in the middle of Castagnola against the backdrop of Lake Lugano, Carlo Cattaneo House is a distinctive presence with its warm-coloured walls and tiled roof.
Once a private residence and later a historical archive, today it is the home of IBSA Foundation thanks to the respectful and attentive work of architect Christophe Almeida Direito - who tells us the story behind the project and the rebirth of this historic house.
Sometimes the places of our past come back to us, weaving the threads of our memories with those of the present. For architect Christophe Almeida Direito this moment came even before he stepped through the front door of Carlo Cattaneo House for the first time: “When I saw the house I realised that I often walked past it as a child. My grandfather lived nearby in Castagnola. I used to gaze at the lake from his balcony, completely unaware of this incredible place just down below.”
Every new architectural project is stimulating in its own way, but when in addition to the enthusiasm for a new challenge there is also a personal connection with the location, every aspect becomes even more special and meaningful.
The initial assessment
Having been home to the town archive for many years, the house, by now long derelict, was in an evident state of disrepair when the IBSA Foundation Team, accompanied by the architect, entered for the first time.
Forgotten old furniture, loose wires and closed window blinds caked in dust populated rooms which, to the untrained eye, perhaps appeared too dark and ill-suited to the multiple activities of the Foundation. Yet at the same time they also gave off an incredible energy.
The original wooden floor creaked under foot, the chestnut ceilings, slightly darkened by the passing of time, maintained the old-fashioned charm of the era in which thinker and philosopher Carlo Cattaneo lived in these rooms. At the centre, an Arzo stone fireplace, still intact, evoked the image of a drawing room animated by lively discussions and intense cultural activities.
Things immediately became clear to Christophe: “It’s the perfect place for the Foundation’s new headquarters.”
The project: respectful regeneration
The work on Carlo Cattaneo House was guided by an approach based on deep respect for the history of the building, a silent transformation without any invasive interventions.
There was no demolition work and there were no structural modifications: the original walls and external facades were maintained while the period architectural elements were preserved and enhanced.
On the suggestion of the architect, the two rooms occupied by the archives on the lower floor were transformed into workspaces for young people, welcoming environments designed to encourage the sharing of ideas and creativity.
Christophe saw the potential of both right away: the first, with a window facing the lake, stood out for its natural light which, glinting on the water, illuminated the room with unique and shifting light effects and reflections that would vary with the changing of the seasons. The other was located on the opposite side, facing the mountains. Though it didn’t have any windows apart from a small opening on the ceiling akin to a lightwell, it did have another unique characteristic: a vault that covered the entire room. Rather than a limitation, this design was seen as an opportunity, an intimate and protected space ideal for activities that require concentration.
On the ground floor, the bust of Carlo Cattaneo, positioned above the fireplace, welcomes visitors as they come in, with a Ticino red background that recalls the colours of the local tradition. The idea was to highlight some of the key moments in the life of the philosopher with a series of phrases and images displayed in a small museum area.
The conference room, bathed in natural light, looks out onto the lake, the ideal venue for intimate meetings, gatherings and moments of dialogue.
The offices on the upper floor, meanwhile, were designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing structure. Natural light plays a central role while the technology systems were hidden with discreet solutions attentive to the original aesthetic.
“We regenerated the house while managing to preserve its identity and essence” explains the architect.
The technical interventions were conceived to guarantee efficiency and safety. An air-to-air heat pump was installed to manage both heating and cooling while keeping a close eye on energy consumption. The lighting system was completely replaced with LED lights while the original windows were modernised with safety glass, essential for guaranteeing the protection of those who frequent the house, particularly younger visitors. These interventions made the spaces functional and more sustainable without altering their historical identity.
A culture hub for Lugano
Today, Carlo Cattaneo House is not just a regeneration project but a new point of reference on Lugano’s cultural panorama. On 24 October 2024, the Municipality presented the hotly-awaited City Masterplan (Piano Direttore Comunale, PDCom), a strategic document that aims to harmonise regulatory plans and promote culture, mobility and sustainability. The projections of the Lugano of the future - "representations" developed by Studio Paola Viganò - include “Lugano piccola città globale (Lugano little global city)” which focuses on liveability, also a priority of the conference and culture hub.
In this context, Castagnola, also with the presence of IBSA Foundation, is becoming a nerve centre for this strategy.
“Carlo Cattaneo House is part of a cultural network that connects places and people, from Val Colla to Pian Scairolo.”
Today, Carlo Cattaneo House is not just the headquarters of IBSA Foundation but a hive of ideas and creative thinking, a place where the past meets the future. The educational workshops for youths, event spaces and offices coexist in harmony, a perfect balance that both celebrates history and embraces innovation.
“For me, bringing a place like this back to life meant preserving the past while at the same time opening the door to new possibilities,” concludes Almeida. “With its light, materials and energy, Carlo Cattaneo House is ready to keep telling its story, welcoming the future generations and inspiring new ideas.”
