Renovation and expansion of Casa Serena

Location: Molino Nuovo, Via Marco da Carona 10

Extraordinary Maintenance: 2004-2007

Phased Construction: 2009-2015

Architecture Studio: Durisch+Nolli Architetti Sagl, Massagno

Architects: Pia Durisch and Aldo Nolli
Collaborators: Chiara Cattarini, Valentina Del Motto

Engineering Studio: Lurati Muttoni Partner SA, Mendrisio

Casa Serena was inaugurated in 1976, designed by architect Giancarlo Durisch, Riva San Vitale. Changes in the elderly population, the complexity of medical conditions, and the evolving needs of care facilities in Lugano necessitated significant adjustments to the entire complex over the years. The block-structured building underwent a major structural intervention in 1994: the apartments for elderly couples in Block A were converted into single rooms, balconies were replaced, and waterproofing of roofs was completed. Starting in 2004, extraordinary maintenance of the existing structures was carried out in two phases based on priority. In the first phase, between 2004 and 2007, work focused on improving the functionality of the building and expanding available spaces, including the addition of an Alzheimer’s ward.

Between 2009 and 2015, all building blocks were horizontally connected on each level. This optimized the number of rooms in the existing structures, created communal spaces on every floor, and added a vertical extension to the chapel block (Block C).

The vertical extension was conceived as a logical continuation of the existing building in terms of typology, functionality, architecture, and structure. It precisely follows the original structural design, replicating it on every floor. The block remains identifiable as an independent volume. It extends vertically up to the 8th floor and connects to adjacent Blocks B and D through the typical central corridors enclosed by "Profilit" glass, which characterizes the complex. The spaces created by the extension meet Minergie standards.

Outside the complex, located on the eastern side and separated from the rest of the park, is a protected garden for Alzheimer’s patients, featuring a pathway with "stations".