Architectural Cases

Giomein Cervinia Residential Interior Redesign by co.arch studio

The co.arch studio, guided by Andrea Pezzoli and Giulia Urciuoli, embarked on an interior design project within the celebrated Giomein complex in Cervinia. This 120-square-meter residential space, realized in 2025, showcases a profound respect for the alpine surroundings, incorporating natural materials such as timber and masonry. The design's intention is to blend seamlessly with the breathtaking mountain environment, fostering a cozy yet refined living area that embodies both conventional and modern sensibilities. This endeavor stands as a prime example of meticulous architectural engagement within a culturally significant alpine context.

The project by co.arch studio in Cervinia transforms a residential interior within the historic Giomein complex, originally conceived by Mario Galvagni in 1972. This redesign for the 120 square meter space, completed in 2025, is a masterful interpretation of mountain architecture, moving beyond mere scenic appreciation to a deeper engagement with the morphological and perceptual aspects of the alpine environment. Utilizing materials like wood and brick, the design harmoniously integrates the structure with its natural surroundings, offering a contemporary take on a traditional mountain dwelling. The project elegantly balances aesthetic appeal with functional design, creating a living space that feels both timeless and innovative in the heart of the Alps.

Harmonizing Architecture with Alpine Landscape

Co.arch studio’s project in Cervinia is a reimagining of a residential interior within the iconic Giomein complex. Designed by Mario Galvagni and completed in 1972, this complex is perched on the Giomein promontory, offering panoramic views of the Breuil basin and the majestic Cervino. The original structure emerged during a period of rapid expansion in Alpine tourism, characterized by new ski infrastructure and holiday residences. In this context, Giomein was conceived not just as a building amidst a beautiful backdrop but as an integral part of the mountain's natural and sensory system. The studio's intervention respects this foundational philosophy, seeking to enhance the existing dialogue between architecture and nature. This approach ensures that the new interior design does not merely occupy the space but rather elevates the occupant's experience of the surrounding alpine grandeur, making the mountain an active participant in the living environment.

The interior transformation by co.arch studio, led by Andrea Pezzoli and Giulia Urciuoli, for a 120 square meter residence in Cervinia exemplifies a thoughtful architectural response to its alpine setting. Completed in 2025, the design focuses on creating a seamless integration with the natural environment, utilizing natural materials such as diverse types of wood and carefully selected brickwork. The goal was to develop a space that feels deeply connected to its surroundings, reflecting the rugged beauty and serene atmosphere of the Breuil-Cervinia region. This involved not only material choices but also strategic layouts and finishes that echo the natural textures and colors of the Alps. The design pays homage to Mario Galvagni’s original vision for the Giomein complex, which viewed the mountain as a dynamic system rather than a static backdrop. By reinterpreting this vision, co.arch studio has crafted a residential interior that is both modern in its amenities and deeply rooted in its geographical and historical context, providing a luxurious yet authentically alpine living experience.

Crafting Modern Alpine Living Spaces

The interior design project by co.arch studio at Giomein Cervinia represents a sophisticated effort to craft modern living spaces that are deeply embedded in their alpine context. The redesign prioritizes both aesthetic elegance and functional efficiency, creating an environment that is both welcoming and highly practical for contemporary use. The design team carefully selected furniture, fixtures, and finishes to reflect a sense of understated luxury, ensuring that each element contributes to a cohesive and harmonious whole. Special attention was given to optimizing natural light and maximizing views of the stunning mountain scenery, making the most of the unique location. This thoughtful approach transforms the residential unit into a sanctuary where comfort and design excellence meet, offering residents an unparalleled experience of modern mountain living.

The 2025 interior renovation project in Cervinia by co.arch studio demonstrates a profound understanding of modern alpine design, blending functionality with a keen sense of place. Andrea Pezzoli and Giulia Urciuoli's team meticulously planned every aspect of the 120-square-meter space to reflect a contemporary sensibility while honoring the traditional charm of mountain dwellings. This involved incorporating smart home technologies, ergonomic furniture, and innovative storage solutions that enhance convenience without compromising style. The design emphasizes open-plan living areas, allowing for flexible use of space and fostering a sense of community. Rich textiles, custom millwork, and bespoke lighting fixtures add layers of sophistication and warmth, creating an inviting atmosphere that is perfect for relaxation and entertainment. By carefully considering both the micro-details of interior elements and the macro-relationship with the surrounding landscape, co.arch studio has delivered a residential interior that is a model of modern alpine comfort and design ingenuity, perfectly suited for its breathtaking location.

The Red House: A Coastal Oasis by Pacarizi Studio

The Red House, conceived by Pacarizi Studio, represents a striking residential project in Albania. This design prioritizes a harmonious coexistence between indoor comfort and outdoor natural beauty, specifically tailored for a coastal village setting. The home's layout centers around an inviting open courtyard, featuring a serene pool that acts as the heart of the residence. A prominent staircase thoughtfully extends this central outdoor area upwards, connecting to a rooftop space that unveils picturesque vistas of both the immediate surroundings and the broader horizon.

Harmony in Design: Bridging Interior and Exterior Living

A Vision for Seamless Integration: The Core Design Philosophy of the Red House

The architectural concept of the Red House is rooted in a profound desire to merge the living spaces with the natural environment. This integration is not merely aesthetic but functional, ensuring that residents experience a fluid transition between their private interior realms and the expansive outdoors, particularly within the tranquil context of a coastal village.

The Courtyard as the Heartbeat: Unifying Living Spaces Around an Open Oasis

At the architectural nucleus of the Red House lies a magnificent open courtyard. This central feature is meticulously designed to draw various living areas into its embrace, fostering a sense of community and connection within the home. The inclusion of a sparkling pool within this courtyard elevates it to a true oasis, offering both aesthetic pleasure and a refreshing focal point for relaxation and social gatherings.

Ascending to Serenity: The Grand Staircase and Panoramic Vistas

A notable element of the Red House's design is its majestic staircase. Far from being a mere functional component, it serves as an architectural extension of the courtyard, gracefully leading residents to the rooftop. From this elevated vantage point, inhabitants are treated to breathtaking panoramic views that encompass the immediate coastal landscape and stretch far into the distant horizons, creating an unparalleled sense of openness and connection to the world beyond.

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Snøhetta and BIAD Unveil New Beijing Art Museum Project in Tongzhou

Snøhetta, in collaboration with the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design (BIAD), has commenced work on the Beijing Art Museum in Tongzhou District, set to become a significant cultural landmark for the city's eastern sub-center.

Visionary Architecture: Shaping Beijing's Future Through Art and Design

A New Cultural Beacon for Beijing's Tongzhou District

Snøhetta, partnering with the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design (BIAD), has secured the prestigious international competition to design the Beijing Art Museum. Situated in Tongzhou District, Beijing, the project began construction on December 31, 2025, with its grand opening slated for 2029. This endeavor is poised to be a pivotal landmark in the city's eastern expansion, integrating seamlessly into Tongzhou's broader cultural and civic development strategy as Beijing's burgeoning sub-center. This marks Snøhetta's second major cultural contribution to the Chinese capital, following the acclaimed Beijing Library, which opened in 2023 and has since garnered recognition as a benchmark for contemporary civic architecture.

The Beijing Art Museum: A Multifaceted Hub for Artistic Expression and Community Engagement

Encompassing a vast area exceeding 110,000 square meters, the Beijing Art Museum is conceived as a dynamic, multidisciplinary cultural institution. Its design anticipates accommodating a diverse array of artistic disciplines, including traditional fine arts, contemporary art installations, intricate intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, and cutting-edge fashion design showcases. Beyond its primary function as an exhibition space, the museum is envisioned as a vibrant civic platform, fostering cultural exchange and enriching public life. By blending expansive galleries with adaptable public areas, the project aims to bolster Tongzhou's cultural infrastructure and reinforce its strategic importance within Beijing's rapidly evolving urban landscape.

Architectural Philosophy: 'Vision' as the Guiding Principle for Design and Experience

The core architectural concept revolves around the theme of "vision," influencing both the spatial arrangement and the visitor's journey. This museum transcends the traditional role of a mere art repository; it is designed as an immersive environment that stimulates observation, encourages interaction, and invites personal interpretation. Thoughtfully crafted visual pathways, both within the museum's interior and between the building and its urban context, are integral to guiding visitors through the space. This deliberate design aims to cultivate a profound dialogue among artists, audiences, and the vibrant city of Beijing.

Seamless Integration: Bridging Culture, Infrastructure, and Urban Fabric

Strategically positioned directly above an active metro line, the Beijing Art Museum masterfully integrates transportation infrastructure into its architectural and urban design. This allows the structure to function simultaneously as a premier cultural destination and a crucial mobility hub. The building's sculptural form gracefully expands outwards from a central core, adeptly addressing both functional requirements and inherent infrastructural limitations. Its distinctive, lens-like and rippled facades create a soft, fluid transition between the built environment and the surrounding landscape, contributing to the formation of an inviting and accessible public realm around the museum.

The Central Atrium: A Spiraling Journey Through Art and Community

At the heart of the museum, a grand circular atrium serves as the primary organizing element for circulation and spatial relationships throughout the entire building. This central feature acts as a natural orienting point, drawing visitors inwards and seamlessly connecting galleries, storage facilities, and support areas in a captivating spiraling sequence. Semi-open platforms and strategically placed gallery extensions across multiple levels promote vertical continuity and encourage spontaneous social interactions. The galleries themselves extend into elegantly crafted petal-shaped volumes, framing picturesque views of the surrounding district and emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between internal observation and external urban engagement.

Sustainable Design: A Harmonious Blend of Landscape, Architecture, and Ecological Performance

The landscape design echoes the building's radiating geometry, unfolding into a series of dynamic civic outdoor spaces. These areas are thoughtfully designed to host sculpture exhibitions, cultural events, and everyday public activities. Conceived not as a separate entity but as an extension of the building, the landscape seamlessly connects the architecture, interior, and exterior, creating a cohesive cultural environment deeply rooted within the city. Environmental sustainability is a cornerstone of the project, incorporating innovative strategies such as rooftop photovoltaic panels for renewable energy generation and a landscape system guided by "sponge city" principles, which includes advanced water management measures to enhance both ecological resilience and overall performance.

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