Case Study – Villa Garbled – 1864

  • Castasegna, Graubünden
  • Villa Garbald, originally designed by Gottfried Semper, exemplifies a seamless transition from old to new. Its design mirrors an Italian country house, with symmetrical elements and a pergola, using chestnut wood to harmonize with the chestnut-rich village of Castasegna. The tiled roof helps the villa blend into its surroundings.
  • The open attic, historically used to dry chestnuts, highlights the regional significance of this tree. Over time, the villa was transformed into a seminar venue, with an annex by Miller & Maranta. The annex, using chestnut wood and concrete, complements the original structure while respecting the region's aesthetics and topography.
  • The shared garden, enclosed by a brick wall, ties the old and new together, making Villa Garbald a perfect example of thoughtful architectural evolution.

People: Cook, Eat, Gather, Read, Rest, See, Sit, Sleep, Talk, Work

typology: Garden, House, Landscape, Open Space

Climate: Heat

Location: Slope, Hill, Mountain, Village

Material: Plaster, Stone


Contributor: Lia Danner
08 December 2024