Architectural Cases

In the picturesque Engadin region of Switzerland, the Luma Foundation, as part of its Elevation 1049 initiative, has unveiled "Strip Tower (962)", an extraordinary sculptural work by the renowned artist Gerhard Richter. This installation marks a significant expansion of Richter's artistic exploration, moving his characteristic "Strip Paintings" methodology from two-dimensional canvases into a monumental, three-dimensional form that engages directly with the surrounding Alpine scenery. The artwork, scheduled to be on public view until the spring of 2029, exemplifies a creative process where initial painted marks undergo digital manipulation—photographing, scanning, slicing, and stretching—to produce a captivating array of colored bands. In its transformed state as a tower, this concept transcends the flat surface, manifesting as a truly architectural and spatial entity.

Standing impressively over five meters tall, this sculpture, previously showcased in London, comprises eight vertical panels adorned with polished ceramic tiles. Each panel displays vertically extended stripes of color. The design allows visitors to meander among these panels, transforming the observation from a distant gaze to a deeply physical and interactive engagement. The glazed surfaces interact dynamically with ambient light, while the ever-changing elements—weather patterns, cloud formations, snow, and the rhythm of seasons—continually reshape the sculpture's visual narrative. Richter's profound connection with Sils Maria, a village he has frequented since 1989 for its unique light and tranquil ambiance, provides a meaningful setting for this piece. "Strip Tower (962)" encourages a practice of sustained observation, inviting viewers to discern subtle transformations rather than immediate, overt statements.

The tower's proximity to Lake Silvaplana intrinsically links it to the delicate Alpine ecosystem. Its ceramic exterior reacts sensitively to humidity and temperature fluctuations, and its colors shift in response to the changing sky. This evolving interaction ensures that the artwork's experience unfolds gradually, resonating with Richter's broader artistic themes of ambiguity, introspection, and the fluid nature of visual certainty. This installation underscores the Luma Foundation's dedication to pushing the boundaries of contemporary art, integrating significant artistic expressions into environments that foster deep reflection and responsibility. Maja Hoffmann, the Foundation's founder, characterizes the work as a rare fusion of conceptual rigor, clear form, and material precision, affirming the Alps not merely as a scenic backdrop but as a vibrant center for profound cultural creation.

This magnificent creation stands as a testament to the power of art to transcend traditional boundaries, inviting us to engage with our surroundings in new and contemplative ways. It encourages a deeper appreciation for both artistic innovation and the natural world, reminding us of the dynamic interplay between human creativity and environmental beauty. Through its enduring presence and evolving dialogue with its setting, the tower serves as a beacon for sustained cultural interaction and an embodiment of art's capacity to inspire wonder and thoughtful engagement in public spaces.

Alventosa Morell Arquitectes have crafted Casa CLO, a remarkable timber residence that seamlessly integrates into a challenging, steep, and rocky site along the Tarragona coastline in Spain. This innovative project emphasizes a gentle interaction with the natural environment, utilizing a lightweight structure that gracefully descends the terrain. The house is strategically positioned to navigate the existing pine forest and rugged ground, creating elevated living areas that immerse residents in the tree canopy while offering glimpses of the distant sea. The design thoughtfully addresses the site's unique characteristics, including its steep incline and limited access, by organizing the living spaces into three distinct elevated volumes. This approach not only minimizes the impact on the landscape but also leverages the natural elevation to maximize panoramic views, fulfilling the clients' desire for a tranquil retreat connected to nature.

The architectural strategy for Casa CLO was meticulously developed to respond to both the natural contours of the land and strict planning regulations. To avoid extensive and costly earthworks, the architects opted for a design that comprises three raised sections, each positioned at varying heights across the upper part of the plot. This arrangement is carefully aligned with the existing trees, resulting in a slightly rotated layout that enhances the organic feel of the entire composition and preserves the forested character of the site. The structural integrity of the house relies on a timber framework supported by ten columns, which translates the building's weight to just ten point foundations. This lightweight construction mirrors the verticality of the surrounding pine trees, extending the forest's aesthetic into the home's interior. Access to the property is ingeniously managed from the lowest point of the site, where a required excavation along the street edge provides space for parking. From there, a staircase ascends alongside the plot, leading first to a swimming pool area and then to the main entrance terrace, culminating in a double-height dining and kitchen area that visually connects all three volumes of the house. A metal staircase further facilitates movement between levels, linking to a second floor with a double-height study and a bedroom, and ultimately to two additional bedrooms on the uppermost level.

Harmonizing Architecture with Nature on a Steep Slope

Alventosa Morell Arquitectes' Casa CLO epitomizes a thoughtful integration of modern living with a challenging natural landscape. Located on the rocky, steep coast of Tarragona, Spain, the design strategically employs three elevated timber volumes that gracefully descend the terrain, minimizing disruption to the existing pine forest and rugged ground. This innovative approach ensures that the residence adapts harmoniously to its environment, providing comfortable living spaces amidst the tree canopy and offering breathtaking distant sea views. The clients, a family from Barcelona seeking a tranquil second home, entrusted the architects with the freedom to craft a design that respects and engages with its natural surroundings. The careful placement of the house's sections not only adheres to planning regulations but also avoids significant earthworks, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable and site-specific architecture.

The architectural layout of Casa CLO is a direct result of meticulous consideration for the site's unique characteristics, including its steep incline and dense pine forest. By designing three elevated volumes at different levels, the architects successfully circumvented the need for extensive and expensive excavation, ensuring that the structural footprint is minimal. Each volume is thoughtfully oriented to capitalize on the stunning sea views, which are subtly filtered through the trees, enhancing the sense of seclusion and connection to nature. The lightweight timber construction, supported by only ten strategically placed columns, further reduces the environmental impact, allowing the house to blend seamlessly with the vertical rhythm of the forest. This design choice also creates an interior atmosphere that is open and airy, reflecting the natural light and views. The thoughtful planning extends to the access points, with a dedicated parking area at the lowest level that integrates with existing regulations, and a scenic staircase leading to the main living areas and swimming pool, creating a journey through the landscape before entering the home.

The Verticality of Living: Casa CLO's Interior Design and Structure

Casa CLO's internal structure and design are a testament to how architectural elements can mimic and enhance the natural environment. The decision to use a timber structure with the entire load transferred to ten columns was a conscious effort by Alventosa Morell Arquitectes to echo the verticality of the surrounding pine forest. This not only creates a visually striking interior but also minimizes the building's footprint, allowing it to perch lightly on the challenging terrain. The strategic placement of these columns and the resulting open-plan spaces foster a continuous dialogue between the indoor environment and the natural world outside. Upon entering, residents are greeted by a double-height dining area and kitchen, a central hub that visually connects the distinct volumes and facilitates an expansive, shared living experience. This design promotes a sense of communal gathering while maintaining individual privacy within the various elevated sections of the home.

The interior journey through Casa CLO is characterized by a dynamic interplay of levels and spaces, designed to maximize both functionality and aesthetic appeal. A sleek metal staircase serves as a prominent feature, seamlessly linking the different floors and guiding residents through the various living zones. This staircase leads to a second floor that houses a double-height study, a space designed for contemplation and work, offering ample natural light through a large skylight. Adjacent to the study is a comfortable bedroom, providing a private retreat within the multi-level dwelling. Further ascent reveals two additional bedrooms on the top floor, each offering unique perspectives of the surrounding forest and the distant sea. The consistent use of timber throughout the interiors defines Casa CLO's material palette, creating a warm, inviting, and cohesive atmosphere. This material choice not only reinforces the connection to the natural environment but also contributes to the lightweight and sustainable character of the entire residence, ensuring a harmonious living experience.