Curated Architecture and Design from the Alpine Region

The Cascina Garbald

The Cascina Garbald

Location:  Castasegna, Graubünden, Switzerland

Year: 2019

Architecture: Armando Ruinelli

Photography: Ralph Feiner, Marcello Mariana

Subtle reconstruction

Located in the meadow behind the Villa Garbald complex in Castasegna, Cascina Garbald replaces a former rural structure with identical position, volume, and height. While this continuity was required by local regulations, it also reflects a deliberate design stance—one that favours quiet integration and contextual respect.

Contemporary precision

The project rigorously reinterprets the original building using current construction techniques and a minimal number of contemporary interventions. The architecture speaks through materials rather than form, with each surface chosen for its tactile and expressive qualities, creating a quiet yet modern identity.

Essential and crafted

Designed as temporary accommodation for researchers, the house is reduced to its functional core. Every detail is made with exceptional care: rough exterior plaster, rammed concrete walls, mortar flooring, chestnut wood fittings, bronze light fixtures, and a ceramic sink crafted by a local artist. Each element is handmade, reinforcing the sense of artisanal integrity.

Atmosphere through material

The resulting space is rich in material tone and emotional depth. The interplay of textures and the precision of execution create an environment that is calm yet engaging. Cascina Garbald is not just a place to stay—it is a tactile, immersive experience shaped by thoughtful construction and quiet character.

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