Nestled in the heart of Lugano, a Switzerland city where the serene lake meets the dramatic embrace of the Alps, the newly unveiled b5 boutique hotel by London-based architectural practice df__dc stands as a compelling testament to the power of thoughtful transformation. Far from a tabula rasa approach, df__dc has engaged in an intimate dialogue with the building’s century-long history, not erasing its past but rather coaxing it into a vibrant and nuanced present.
The most striking element of this metamorphosis is undoubtedly the hotel’s reimagined facade. Gone is the expected stucco or stone, replaced by a skin of semi-reflective green tiles that shimmer and shift with the changing light. This bold exterior serves a dual purpose: establishing the b5 as a distinct and contemporary landmark within the cityscape while simultaneously acting as an abstract mirror, reflecting the surrounding environment and, in doing so, subtly echoing the passage of time and the memories held within its walls.
df__dc’s intervention is described as a deliberate process of addition, subtraction, and “crystallization.” This poetic approach speaks to a careful curation of the existing structure, where historical layers, original materials, and spatial fragments are not simply discarded but rather activated and transformed into a cohesive new whole. The architects recognize the inherent longevity of hotels, viewing them as potential anchors in the urban fabric. Their design consciously rejects the trend of homogenous, replicable hotel experiences, instead opting for a deep connection to the site’s unique narrative.
Stepping inside the b5 is to enter a realm where the past and present intertwine. The material palette and overall atmosphere lean towards a spartan resilience, suggesting a timeless quality that transcends fleeting trends. Public areas facing the street are intentionally theatrical, extending an invitation to both hotel guests and the casual flâneur. These spaces act as urban refuges, blurring the lines between private hospitality and the public realm.
What truly sets the b5 apart is its embrace of the unexpected. df__dc has not sought to sanitize the building’s history, but rather to integrate the “as-found” – the layers and relics of previous eras – into the new design. Imperfections and contradictions from the past are not seen as flaws to be eliminated but as intrinsic qualities that add depth and character. This open-minded approach extends to the newly designed elements, such as the “secret garden,” suggesting a continuity of discovery and a willingness to let the building’s inherent spirit guide the design process.
The b5 boutique hotel in Lugano, as envisioned by df__dc, is more than just a place to stay. It is a living archive, a palimpsest of architectural history rendered in a contemporary idiom. Through its reflective green skin and its respectful integration of the past, it offers a compelling vision of how architecture can engage with time, memory, and the evolving identity of a place. It stands as a subtle yet powerful reminder that true innovation often lies not in erasure, but in the artful layering and reinterpretation of what has come before.