Set within one of Mario Botta’s landmark residential buildings in Merate, Italy, this private residence by m2atelier explores a refined dialogue between architectural monumentality and intimate domestic life. Conceived as a multi-level home for discerning clients, the project responds to Botta’s rigorous exterior with an interior language defined by softness, material depth, and sculptural restraint.

Spanning four levels, the residence unfolds as a fluid sequence of spaces, where each environment is carefully calibrated through proportion, light, and custom design. The ground floor reinterprets the traditional domestic layout, transforming the kitchen into a luminous, glass-enclosed dining veranda while the living area is articulated through low, tactile furnishings and a strong connection to the surrounding architectural grid. Outdoors, a sculpted landscape integrates a sunken hot tub and raised platforms, balancing privacy with spatial drama.

The lower level is conceived as a retreat for wellness and leisure, housing a wine cellar, fitness area, sauna, and service spaces. Here, the interplay of raw and refined materials—concrete, mirrored surfaces, and soft textiles—creates a cinematic atmosphere that contrasts weight with lightness.

Above, the first floor is dedicated to the primary suite, envisioned as a continuous, open composition of bedroom, lounge, dressing area, and bathroom. Circular skylights and porthole openings introduce natural light, while a palette of resin flooring, dark timber, and fabric-lined architectural elements reinforces a sense of warmth and enclosure. The top floor accommodates guest suites with access to private terraces, extending the living experience outward.

Custom-designed furniture and millwork are integral to the project, shaping a cohesive spatial identity across all levels—from wardrobes and libraries to kitchen systems and architectural partitions. Rather than acting as decorative elements, these interventions are conceived as essential components of the architecture itself.

Through a careful balance of precision and atmosphere, the Merate residence reflects m2atelier’s broader design ethos: an approach rooted in material sensitivity, spatial clarity, and a commitment to creating environments that quietly support everyday life.