Private patio, villa in Morcote, Ticino (CH)
Villa Morcote: Mediterranean charm meets contemporary outdoor design
In the heart of the picturesque Ticino village of Morcote on Lake Lugano, the patio of a historic villa has been given a makeover, using composite decking by Naturinform. Natureline decking in oak brown was selected for its natural grain, ease of care and durability. The project demonstrates how Mediterranean architecture can be combined with contemporary open space design as an example of sophisticated solutions in modern garden and landscape architecture.
The villa in Morcote is located in one of the most beautiful spots on Lake Lugano – a picturesque Ticino village of just 700 inhabitants voted Switzerland’s most beautiful village in 2016. Nestled into the slopes of Monte Arbostora overlooking the lake and surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation, the holiday home blends tradition with comfort. A patio enclosed on three sides is the central feature of the home, adding to its comfort and recreational value. The patio was refurbished with Natureline composite decking by Naturinform, creating a beautiful, durable and low-maintenance outdoor space perfect for relaxing and enjoying time outside.
Breathtaking views from the villa and patio
Villa Morcote is a typical example of the traditional Mediterranean architecture in Ticino. The building is characterised by a clearly structured façade, ochre-plastered masonry and round-arched arcades on the upper floor. The open design with loggias and galleries, which provide shade and create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, is a distinctive feature of the building. On the ground floor, full-height French doors open directly onto the patio, making the outdoor space a defining element of the villa’s overall atmosphere. The Mediterranean-style patio, framed by natural stone walls and steps, is planted with lemon and fig trees, climbing roses and oleander, highlighting the importance of outdoor space during Ticino summers. More than an addition, it is a central part of Mediterranean lifestyle.
High-quality composite decking to replace uneven stone paving
The project involved replacing about half of the existing uneven stone surface with continuous, high-quality flooring that is comfortable to walk on barefoot. The resulting 30 square metre outdoor area meets the highest standards both in terms of design and functionality. The owners opted for oak brown Natureline decking by Naturinform. The multi-coloured composite decking is fully pigmented and combines the warmth and texture of natural wood with modern durability, blending in seamlessly with the Mediterranean surroundings. Beyond its visual appeal, the functionality of the material was decisive for the clients: The decking requires little maintenance, it is weather-resistant and highly durable lasting up to 30 years. This is a significant advantage in a region where materials are exposed to intense sun and heat during summer.
Installation by experienced local craftspeople
Installation was carried out by the skilled craftspeople of Gla Pavimenti in Legno from Mendrisio (CH). The company has been using Naturinform decking for its premium projects in the region for many years.
Their greatest challenge was to build a level substructure on the uneven ground using aluminium profiles and adjustable patio feet (also from Naturinform) to create a slope away from the house that ensures reliable drainage. The installation involved aligning the patio feet on a mat to establish the correct slope, fitting the profiles and securing the boards so that no fasteners are visible with fascia boards from the Natureline collection added along the edges to create a continuous finish. Where existing trees and plants extended into the patio area, precise cut-outs were made to preserve the space’s natural integration into the garden. Thanks to the meticulous work of Gla Pavimenti in Legno, the resulting surface meets the highest technical standards while respecting the historic character of the property.
"As with any historic estate such as Villa Morcote, precision was key," says Alessandro Greppi of Gla Pavimenti in Legno. Natureline decking from Naturinform is an outstanding product to work with and enabled us to build a terrace that satisfies the highest technical and aesthetic expectations."
Natureline premium solid-profile decking with a natural look
Natureline solid-profile decking is 140 mm wide and 21 mm thick and is produced using an innovative manufacturing process that gives each board a unique, multi-coloured grain and a pleasantly natural surface texture. Available in warm brown shades such as oak, amber, and chestnut, as well as contemporary grey tones like graphite and basalt, the boards blend harmoniously into any setting. Each fully pigmented, solidly extruded board is one of a kind, combining the premium appearance of wood with the long-lasting, low-maintenance benefits of WPC technology. Time-consuming maintenance, such as sanding or painting, is redundant. A brush and water are all that is needed for cleaning. Moreover, the boards are produced using resource-efficient methods and are fully recyclable, making them a sustainable choice for high-quality outdoor spaces.
The terrace in Morcote demonstrates how material choice and design can work in perfect harmony. The oak brown tones of Natureline ideally complement the ochre façade, enhancing the Mediterranean character of the property. At the same time, the decking’s precise, smooth surface and its exact installation create a pleasing contrast with the irregular textures of the natural stone walls and the historic building. The result is an outdoor space that is both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Conclusion
The redesign of the patio at Villa Morcote with a new terrace floor is more than just a structural detail. It is a fine example of using high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship in garden and landscape design. The new decking has created a space that complements the architecture, elevates outdoor living and will be enjoyed by its owners for many years. The combination of traditional building culture, skilled craftsmanship and modern materials demonstrates how historic structures and contemporary outdoor design can be seamlessly integrated to form a balanced whole.
"This project shows how the choice of innovative materials, such as Natureline by Naturinform, can satisfy aesthetic and functional demands, creating outdoor spaces that are both sustainable and visually appealing," says Pia Hobeck, Managing Director of Naturinform, reflecting on the successful project.
