Mario Botta House

Today we got to go on a tour of a Mario Botta designed house right here in Riva San Vitale. It was completed in the 1970s and the primary material is CMUs or cinderblocks. It is a tower structure set back off the road, down an embankment. There is a bridge that connects the house to the street. The house has gorgeous views overlooking Lake Lugano and the rest of the valley.

The interior of the house was very cramped. The central staircase was small and narrow. There was also very little privacy throughout the house. Most rooms had three-quarter height doors and were open to multi-story atrium spaces such as a living room or kitchen. The house was 5 or 6 floors. I am not sure exactly because it was a bit disorienting. This house sure has its quirks and I am not a fan. I wouldn't give it a pass just because an architect such as Botta did it.