Architecture is shaped by intention, precision, and the way a project interacts with its surroundings.
In this interview, the architect Andrea Pelati shares the principles that guide his practice, his approach to projects, and the role that openness, light, and spatial continuity play in his work. His perspective offers valuable insight into how contemporary architects are rethinking the boundary between interior and exterior.
Vitrocsa : How would you describe your approach to architecture? Are there principles that guide your work?
Andrea Pelati : At our studio, we begin each project with a careful study of the site and the programme. We identify the qualities of the place, the key elements of the programme and how to enhance them, and who the future residents or users will be. Once these foundations are set, we imagine different scenarios and develop the project holistically, taking into account regulatory, construction, and energy-related aspects.
Our thinking is guided by the quality of life and usability the future building will offer. We seek simple solutions and a clear layout, characterised by a certain sobriety in spaces, materials, and details.
V : In what context did you discover Vitrocsa, and what convinced you to integrate our systems into your work?
A.P. : I have known the Vitrocsa brand for a long time, as I come from the same region where the company was founded. Thanks to this geographic proximity, I naturally became familiar with the company even before completing my architectural training.
The product has always interested me for its finesse. We had already used various minimal window systems, but aside from a renovation project in Yverdon in 2008, the opportunity to work with Vitrocsa on a full project came in 2018, for a villa on the Neuchâtel lakeshore.
V : Could you tell us about a project where Vitrocsa systems played a key role in the design?
A.P. : This villa on the Neuchâtel lakeshore, precisely. It is located in the heart of the vineyard, on a steep slope overlooking Lake Neuchâtel. The monolithic construction refers to the retaining walls typical of the region. On the south side, however, the façade is entirely glazed and opens onto the vineyard, the lake and the Alps. The sculptural quality of the house is reinforced by a wide cantilever extending above the garden, adding dynamism to the mineral volume embedded in the ground. The large picture window using Vitrocsa minimal windows with an invisible frame blurs the line between inside and outside, creating the impression of a continuous space projecting into the magnificent panorama.
V : Do you ever start from a technical detail when structuring a space?
A.P. : The main technical challenge was to build the 6-metre cantilevered roof. We collaborated with Estructuras Singulares, who designed a concrete roof eliminating all columns except one along the glazed façade. This bold structural decision was essential to the project’s success, as it allowed us to maintain a clean, open aesthetic while perfectly framing the view.
V : What does the phrase “When indoors and outdoors become one” evoke for you?
A.P. : The relationship between inside and outside is essential in our work. Since our very first project, we have sought to overcome the visual boundary created by a window frame. In residential projects, for example, we often try to make these limits disappear, offering living spaces that extend outward. The feeling of fully living within one’s environment, visually experiencing each season, whether stormy or radian, is a way to connect with nature and the passing of time.
V : How do you view the future of residential architecture? Do you see emerging trends?
A.P. : With the scarcity of available land and the desire to densify buildable areas, the transformation and extension of existing buildings will become increasingly important, while access to individual housing will become more limited. Such projects will likely become exceptional objects. That said, I imagine an intermediate form of housing will develop, combining the qualities of individual homes with a certain density, offering unique high-quality living spaces.
Beyond any trend, I believe ecological aspects; both energy performance and the use of more sustainable materials, are essential drivers of evolution in the construction field.
V : Is there a type of space or project you dream of designing one day?
A.P. : In addition to residential projects, which are an extraordinary field of expression, I would be very interested in developing a museum or a contemplative space. Working with entrance and exhibition areas, defining the relationships between the spaces themselves and how they connect with the outside must be fascinating.
This interview highlights a thoughtful architectural approach focused on quality of use, constructive clarity, and the relationship to the landscape. Vitrocsa systems naturally find their place within this approach, helping to dissolve visual boundaries and open new possibilities for design.
We thank his team as well as Andrea Pelati for his insightful perspective and for the trust he places in Vitrocsa in his projects. We look forward to continuing this dialogue between technology, architecture, and landscape.
