Holiday home Casa Raslei

In the wild Onsernone Valley of Ticino, on a steep slope leading down from the valley road, stands an ensemble of stone houses that has grown over gene­ra­tions and stood empty for years. Set on one edge of the terrain, Casa Raslei opens up towards the valley to the south, but at the same time shields itself from the higher-lying village of Mosogno Sotto. Below, the densely wooded terrain drops abruptly to the mountain stream Isorno, whose murmur is omni­present in the valley. The client, who is familiar with the Ticino way of life, wanted a resi­dential house that could be deve­loped from the dila­pi­dated ensemble using modest resources.

The archi­tects Buchner Bründler and local craftsmen accom­panied the owners for over six years until the Casa Raslei became habi­table as a place of retreat and a ritual counter-world to the everyday life. 

The his­to­rical signi­fi­cance of the main building was revealed as essential for under­standing the whole during the exami­nation of the rural stone houses. The history was not to dis­appear behind a white plaster, the struc­tural traces of the past remained visible accor­dingly.

With spec­ta­cular inter­ven­tions — which more decon­s­truct than add — an attempt was made to pre­serve the atmo­sphere and identity of the place. The result is an ensemble of summer house, winter parlour and bath house with dif­ferent spatial expe­ri­ences. In the summer house, the small-scale chamber structure was aban­doned in favour of a large, two-storey summer hall. The fire­place as a large hearth in the centre was set in a metal frame and a homo­ge­neous con­crete floor was poured in to emphasise the effect as an overall space. The indi­vidual object-like ele­ments made of in-situ con­crete refer to the new meaning of the open hall. The hall is spanned by a light roof made of cor­ru­gated sheet metal that pro­tects against the weather: Air, sounds and the atmo­spheric changes of the sur­roun­dings can be expe­ri­enced inside. 

To the west is the winter parlour — an annex with a stone roof and loggia — into whose interior a dark-glazed, heated living cube for sleeping, cooking and eating has been inte­grated. From the hall, a door on the valley side leads into the slender bath­house in the cour­tyard, crowned by a con­crete dome. From above, light falls through the open opaion of the dome. Set into the floor is a wood-fired con­crete bathtub. The con­trast between the room and the warming water could not be greater. Bathing becomes an expe­rience of exposure to the natural ele­ments of water, fire, light and shadow. The enlarged terrace on the valley side is enc­losed by a dry stone wall. The result is a square that con­nects the dif­ferent houses.

Casa Raslei is not just a house. The sur­rounding “wild” nature as well as the pro­tection from it take a central place. 

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Onsernone Valley was a popular retreat for poets and literary figures, including Max Frisch and Golo Mann. In old age, for example, it was the centre of Max Fri­sch’s life. In the 1960s, hippies came and settled in the old houses.

The building by Buchner Bründler Archi­tects has been awarded various national and inter­na­tional awards.

Images: Georg Aerni, Buchner Bründler Archi­tekten, Ale­jandra Lauper

What to do

The Onsernone Valley is considered the wildest in the entire region and is the ideal destination for those seeking simplicity and tranquillity. The spectacular valley offers a view of an untracked valley, with the Isorno River roaring through its gorge. High above it, villages spread out. The valley offers a variety of highlights for hiking, bathing in rivers and mountain streams with crystal-clear water, biking, climbing, fishing, canyoning to the cultural history of straw weaving or excursions to Ascona and Locarno.

Why we like this house

Radical, impressive, simple - that' s exactly what it's all about!

This house is great for

Enthusiasts!

Sustainability

International Award for Sustainable Renovation and Construction in the Alps: "Constructive Alps" 2020; Public transport: The nearby village is easily accessible by public bus from Locarno, followed by a ten-minute descent by foot to the house.

Details

Availability calendar

The calendar shows the current availability of the accommodation. On days with white background the accommodation is still available. On days with dark gray background the accommodation is not available.

Request/Booking