Alps Villa, Italy
”Lightweight, integration at the site, opening and closing, no exhibitionism, connection to foundational principle generated by the performance of the ground and the internal organization of space, producing an idea of domestic that offers a contemporary housing responsive to the site. These are the elements that make up the set.”
photography by © atelier XYZ
The Italian architect Camillo Botticini has created an unique and well integrated household, in a clearing in the trees, at 700 m above sea level. The house stands on a steep slope, next to the road that connects Trompia and Sabbia Valleys. The design is clean and neat. Strong lines, paired with a smart choice of materials, have managed to create an outstanding presence. It captures the passer’s attention, while clearly governing the hill.
photography by © atelier XYZ
Although the volume is of an modernist aesthetic, it manages to immerse itself into the landscape. The south side is remarkable from the road and it looks like it’s floating above the valley; the northwest side is almost completely buried in the ground. The three volumes of the house are of different heights, which gives the opportunity for organizing open space interiors. The house plan is ”C” shaped, with the three sides containing a large terrace, that is continued on the north side by the hill’s slope. Every room has wide windows, which create the connection between the landscape and the living areas inside the house even stronger
photography by © atelier XYZ
The materials used are ecofriendly, both on the exterior and in the interior, and the house is certified with an A rating for having very low heating costs and consumption, and almost zero pollution. The access to the house can be made in two ways, by climbing a suspended metal stair that leads from the road to the main entrance, or by entering in the underground level with the car, on a driveway with a covered ramp. The underground level is connected with the living room by an elevator.
photography by © atelier XYZ
Architects: Camillo Botticini
Location: Passo del Cavallo, 25065 Lumezzane BS, Italy
Area: 360 m2
Year: 2014
Photographs: Niccolò Galeazzi
Collaborators: arch. Lucia Fanetti, Ing. Paolo Dellana, arch. Giorgia Guseo, arch. Stefano Farina
From the architect:
Alps Villa to “Passo del Cavallo”
By: Cristina Juc
