The Rustico Gargano

Location: Lake Garda, Lombardy, Italian Alps

Year: 2014

Architecture: Titus Bernhard + Andreas Weissenbach

Photography: Hiepler Brunier + Florian Holzherr

Perched 300 meters above the western shore of Lake Garda, this residence is set within a park-like landscape offering breathtaking views of the lake. The original footprint of the Rustico was insufficient to accommodate the required living spaces, including a guest wing. To secure a building permit, ancillary rooms were discreetly embedded underground within the slope, ensuring they remain invisible as separate volumes. A striking 24-meter-long infinity pool follows the natural contour lines, enhancing the seamless integration of architecture and landscape.

The Rustico and the adjacent “Limonaia” have been meticulously reconstructed using traditional quarry stone masonry, featuring a double-skinned design with core insulation. This approach maintains the structures’ rough, tactile character while ensuring modern energy efficiency.

The design achieves a refined yet authentically rustic atmosphere, where historical elements are preserved without compromising contemporary comfort. The interplay of natural materials and precise craftsmanship reinforces the deep connection between the built environment and the surrounding landscape.

This harmonious fusion of nature and architecture creates a retreat that is both distinguished and inviting. The residence captures the essence of the region’s architectural heritage while adapting to modern living requirements. A testament to thoughtful restoration and innovation, the project exemplifies the symbiosis between tradition and progress, offering a space designed for both aesthetic appreciation and well-being.

Project Gallery

Welcome to Alpine Spaces.

Subscribe for curated stories on alpine architecture, design, and the people behind them – once a month.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Welcome to Alpine Spaces.

Subscribe for curated stories on alpine architecture, design, and the people behind them – once a month.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

More Featured Projects

  • The Alpamyr House

    The Alpamyr House

    Timeless, Luxurious, Minimal. A multigenerational House placed on the Edge. The Alpamyr House by Sandro Durrer transforms intergenerational living with…

  • The Casa Neubau

    The Casa Neubau

    The Casa Neubau by He und Du Architekten transforms a dense urban plot into a space-efficient, light-filled home while reinterpreting…

  • The Angelika Kauffmann Museum
    , ,

    The Angelika Kauffmann Museum

    The Angelika Kauffmann Museum by Dietrich Untertrifaller transforms a 16th-century Bregenzerwald farmhouse into a seamless blend of heritage and contemporary…

  • The Stadthäuser Sempach
    ,

    The Stadthäuser Sempach

    The Stadthäuser Sempach by Roman Hutter Architektur transforms a historic structure with a refined extension, balancing urban density, green spaces,…

  • The House Kaufmännen

    The House Kaufmännen

    The House Kaufmännen by Josef Mallaun and Claudia Baer transforms a compact timber structure into a flexible and efficient family…

  • The Greenbox
    ,

    The Greenbox

    The GreenBox by act_romegialli transforms a disused garage into a living garden pavilion wrapped in climbing vegetation, creating a small…

  • The House Ellikon

    The House Ellikon

    The House Ellikon by Marazzi Reinhardt transforms a prominent village-edge site into a contemporary rural dwelling, drawing from traditional farm…

  • The School in Klaus
    ,

    The School in Klaus

    The School in Klaus by Dietrich Untertrifaller transforms a municipal campus with Passive House design, timber construction, and a light-filled…