<wide-angle view of Lake Como, Italy>

If the location is to have a decisive importance for private residences, then the architecture of this house has maximized the opening of the interior to the beauties of the surrounding environment. The extensively reconstructed Casa Benedetti is located on the shores of Lake Como in Italy. The clear glazed facade on the western side provides an uninterrupted view of the water surface for the owners. The system combining fixed glazing with sliding doors made of Schüco aluminum profiles is interesting from an aesthetic processing perspective and significantly supports the energy concept of the family home.

The completely reconstructed house on the shores of Lake Como is unobtrusive, integrated into the surrounding development, yet modern. Large-format windows dominate the western side of this cubic building.

Standing right next to existing buildings in the traditional Northern Italian style, the modern building structure captures your attention with its minimalist concept and material selection. The family house was created by demolishing and comprehensively reconstructing the original building, with which it shares only the footprint and size. Architect Cesare Sala emphasizes in his project report that this architecture explicitly refers to the minimalist lines for which the German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe is famous, and the formal simplicity and practicality typical of the industrial designer Achille Castiglioni from Italy. However, concerning the spatial arrangement, size, roof shape, and basic materials, the minimalist modern treatment approaches the architecture of the surrounding buildings with traditional shapes and stylistic elements.

Energy Savings
Prior to renovation, the original building fell into the catastrophically bad energy class G, with annual heat consumption reaching 440 kWh/m2. The standard required by current building regulations should be approximately one-sixth of that, around 77.33 kWh/m2. The building ultimately achieved an exceptionally low consumption of 28.37 kWh/m2, reaching category A. This was aided by a number of energy measures.

Architect Cesare Sala placed great emphasis on the harmonious incorporation of the building into the line of houses lining the shore of the lake. A typical pyramid roof covered in gray slate was chosen for the region.

Optimized Cladding
The basic package of these measures includes high-quality insulation of the foundations and walls, natural ventilation to prevent condensation, and thorough elimination of thermal bridges and other weak points that could negatively affect the overall energy balance of the building. Strict decision-making was also involved in the selection of openings, which, in addition to thermal insulation values, also had to meet the requirement for optimal daylight access and the creation of a pleasant year-round climate in the interior. Highly thermally insulated Schüco aluminum profiles with a broken thermal bridge and triple insulating glass were chosen. They are additionally complemented by intelligent screens and shading systems, automatically controlled by solar and wind sensors. The combination of exterior and interior systems prevents overheating of the interior, protects against the prying eyes of passersby, and deflects harsh sunlight, even in cases where external shading cannot be manipulated due to strong winds. These measures essentially pertain to the western facade with a view of the lake and direct contact with the living and sleeping spaces of the house.

Spectacular View
The mild climate year-round in Northern Italy and the picturesque view of Lake Como have always invited maximizing the visual and spatial opening of the western facade. The Schüco ASS 70.HI sliding system was used, perfectly supporting the demand for transparency, light access, and an unrestricted view. The aluminum profiles made it possible to create large-format glazing from floor to ceiling across the entire width between the foundation walls. Even the tracks, which are flush-mounted into the floor, do not disrupt the design or obstruct entry. Light gray aluminum profiles in RAL 9006 vertically divide the panoramic glazing and gently contrast with the purity of the glass, the teak and oak floors on the terrace and interior, and the icy white plaster framing the entire building. The division of the glazed sections into individual fields was intentionally differentiated by the architect on the ground floor and first floor. On the first floor with the bedroom, it involves symmetrical division into four equal parts with two sliding wings in the middle. The ground floor, which serves as the backdrop for a combined living room, dining room, and kitchen, has both central sections interrupted by doors. Additional smaller windows on the southern side of the facade were constructed from the Schüco AWS 75.SI aluminum window system.

Sliding doors from the Schüco ASS 70.HI system on the first floor. The glazed wall has been divided into four regular parts, fixed outer and movable middle sections.

Balcony railing made of four frameless safety glasses reflects the division of the sliding wall and provides an unobstructed view of the lake.

Higher Comfort

Seamless access to the terrace is provided by barrier-free sliding doors from the Schüco ASS 70.HI system.

In addition to aesthetics, the window and door profiles with optimal thermal insulation properties provide exceptional durability against weather conditions and noise. Furthermore, additional components were integrated into the cladding system upon the client's request. All window units meet security class RC 2 and are even equipped with a device with vibration sensors against burglars. To ensure that the required level of tightness does not come at the expense of pleasant indoor climate and air quality, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery was installed for the summer period. So far, this system has proven to be so effective that the pre-prepared installation of electric air conditioning does not need to be completed. According to the owners, the combination of mechanical ventilation and shading systems works very well, preventing the occurrence of excessive humidity, and temperatures throughout the year remain at a pleasant level.



Architectural Balance

Modern building cleverly inserted into the surrounding development.

Except for essentially one wish to integrate the kitchen, dining room, and living room into a common space, the investor left the architect free rein in the design of the project. And after thorough consultations, the architect's design was also heeded and realized. Approximately a year after moving into the new house, the owners rate the project extremely positively, both in terms of aesthetic execution and, even more importantly, functionality. They are thrilled with the successful balance between modern concepts and current respect for the surrounding landscape and architecture. The view from the living room, a favorite family spot, of the panoramas of Lake Como is a perfect stamp of the immense quality of such housing. In the evening hours, the glow from the illuminated building offers a great view even to outside observers.

Photo:
Marcello Mariana
Architect Cesare Sala, engineer, Lierna, Italy

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Project: Private Family House by Lake Como, Italy
Architect: Cesare Sala, Lierna, Italy
Living space: approximately 210 m2 (ground floor and first floor)
Construction company: THEMA s.r.l., Verano Brianza, Italy
Completed: 2013

Schüco Systems
Sliding door system Schüco ASS 70.HI
Window system Schüco AWS 75.SI
Entrance door system Schüco ADS 75.HD.SI

Additional Specifications:
• Barrier-free sliding system Schüco ASS 70.HI with tracks embedded in the floor
• Windows with security class RC 2 and vibration alarm
• Solar thermal collectors for heating water
• Exterior and interior shading
• Pre-installed automatic air conditioning (due to effective mechanical ventilation, its use has not yet been necessary)
• Double and triple insulating glazing with external window panes made of laminated safety glass