QuadroDesign HQ – Cabina, the restoration and reimagination of a disused electrical cabin at QuadroDesign's headquarters near Lake Orta, has been awarded the 2025 Maestri Comacini Prize in Category B – Restoration and/or rehabilitation of existing buildings. The winning project is the work of studio wok, an architecture practice known for its sensitive, inventive approach to spatial renewal.
© QuadroDesign
The award, presented by the Order of Architects PPC of the Province of Como, recognises the project's exemplary integration of design vision, construction execution, and client engagement. The prize was accepted by studio wok's architects on Saturday, June 13, at the iconic Casa del Fascio in Como.
Project overview
Commissioned by QuadroDesign, a leader in stainless steel faucet design, the project forms part of a broader site transformation that began in 2022 with the redesign of the company's office and showroom. The 2024 second phase addressed outdoor spaces and focused on restoring a former electrical cabin, now converted into a flexible, multifunctional retreat.
The renewed cabin serves not only the Magistro family (Enrico and Elena, second-generation company leaders) but also functions as a modular commercial venue or even an artist's residence.
'This building is a small but powerful activator of the surrounding space,' said studio wok. 'Its unique form allowed us to explore a radical reinterpretation of domestic architecture.'
Design Highlights
- Restored Electrical Cabin:
Maintains its original volume while reconfigured for habitation. Sliding metal frames open the structure directly to the outdoors, with technical supports like a bathroom and kitchenette enabling year-round use. - Vertical Spatial Innovation:
Two mezzanines add layered functionality. One, in natural wood, can host a bed; the other adapts a pre-existing concrete slab into a restful retreat, illuminated by a skylight. - Material Language:
Raw finishes and natural tones cultivate a sacred minimalism. Light floods untreated surfaces, enhancing the elemental quality of the space. - Garden & Pergola:
A concrete plateau creates a shared courtyard space. A galvanized steel pergola, spanning five bays, includes areas for lounging, dining, and an outdoor kitchen in stone and metal. - Pool Element:
A semi-sunken pool, shaped from anthracite stone, doubles as both water feature and sculptural seating, harmonizing with the kitchen's monolithic design.
The Jury & Context
The jury for the Maestri Comacini Award included respected figures from the architecture community:
- Eleonora Bonanno and Mario Mancuso (Base51)
- Sandy Farag Attia (MODus Architects)
- Angelica Sylos Labini and Nicola Russi (Laboratorio Permanente)
- Chiara Gugliotta (caravatti_caravatti architetti)
- Stefano Passamonti (Tenet-arch)
Deliberations were held under the guidance of Arch. Margherita Mojoli, President of the Order, and Arch. Paola Frigerio, Secretary of the Award.
Project Credits
- Project: QuadroDesign HQ – Cabina
- Architects: studio wok
- Client: Quadro srl
- Location: San Maurizio d'Opaglio (NO), Italy
- Area: Approx. 300 sqm
- Photographers: Marcello Mariana, Lorenza Ceruti
Main Contractors:
- Custom Carpentry: Fioroni
- Windows, Pergola & Stairs: Officine del Ferro
- Electrical & Lighting: Genuit
- Stonework: Godi Fratelli srl
- Garden Construction: Il Giardino
'This award reflects our deep belief in design as a cultural, environmental, and architectural force,' say the Magistro siblings.
About QuadroDesign
QuadroDesign is an Italian manufacturer of timeless stainless steel taps and accessories. Under the leadership of Enrico and Elena Magistro, the company integrates sustainability into every aspect of its operation, from materials and manufacturing to supply chain and design partnerships.
More information:
QuadroDesign
info@quadrodesign.it
www.quadrodesign.it