Casa Silca is a minimal home located in Gordola, Switzerland, designed by Forni & Gueli Architetti. In the heart of Gordola, where centuries of architectural tradition have shaped the landscape, Casa Silca emerges as a masterful study in adaptive reuse that honors both memory and modernity. The project’s most compelling feature – its distinctively perforated façade – tells a story of agricultural ingenuity reimagined for contemporary life.

The architects drew inspiration from a humble yet ingenious feature of traditional barn construction: the ventilation holes created by offsetting bricks, which once served to regulate airflow for livestock. This historical reference has been elevated into a sophisticated architectural element that simultaneously addresses privacy concerns and creates an engaging dialogue between interior and exterior spaces. The resulting pattern of solids and voids transcends mere functionality, casting ever-changing shadows throughout the day that animate the interior spaces with natural light.

The material palette demonstrates remarkable restraint, employing a limited selection of materials to articulate spatial hierarchies clearly. The thoughtful transition from ceramic flooring in communal areas to oak parquet in private spaces creates a subtle yet effective distinction between social and intimate zones. This material shift acts as a sensory cue, with the warmth of wood signaling a transition to more personal domains.

The project’s scope extended beyond mere restoration to encompass a comprehensive reimagining of the site, incorporating three distinct living units, an underground garage, and productive garden spaces. This programming reflects a contemporary interpretation of the traditional Italian farmstead, where utility and beauty coexisted naturally. The addition of an orto (vegetable garden) and fruit trees maintains a connection to the land’s agricultural past while serving modern sustainable living practices.