Villa Arcadia
Type – Private residence
Location – Liguria, Italy
Year – 2023 - 2024
Somewhere between Genoa and Nice, on a rocky cliff, covered with pine trees, in front of the Ligurian sea, the Villa Arcadia grows out of the rocky soil with its straight-sided volumes. Built of yellow concrete, the house stands out against the pines and rocks of the cliff, creating a striking contrast.
Meanwhile, the villa is cleverly terraced along the slope of the cliff, allowing each level to enjoy panoramic views of the sea. And this not only maximizes the use of available space of the plot but also creates a sense of unity with the surrounding landscape. Here architecture represents as the manmade Second Nature and refers to the concept of designing and constructing built environments that seamlessly integrate with the natural world. It is an approach that aims to create harmonious and sustainable structures that coexist with nature.
Moreover, the philosophy behind the villa's architecture is not just about to be functional but also to complement and enhance the surrounding natural landscape. The design takes into account factors such as site topography, local climate, vegetation, local traditions, natural materials, implementing energy-efficient systems, as well as incorporating passive design strategies to maximize natural light, ventilation, and thermal comfort. Furthermore, this approach emphasizes the creation of spaces that promote human well-being and connection with nature. The villa is designed to open up to outdoor spaces, providing access to gardens, and terraces. Extensive blown-in loggias with arcades create shaded spaces while reducing the heating of the walls of the villa's interior from solar radiation. Natural elements such as water features, green roofs, and vertical gardens are integrated to create a sense of tranquility, biophilic connection and harmonious coexistence with surrounding.
On the lowest terrace there is a large swimming pool, with constantly circulated water. Positioned to capture the most sunlight and views, the pool becomes a focal point of relaxation and enjoyment.
In our design we also focused on the enfilade loggias facing south to the sea. And at the same time, solving specific structural issues, seismic as well, to ensure the rigidity and stability of the building, we went for a hybrid model of the structure made of concrete envelopes and arched brickwork braced framing. Nowadays, in our opinion, arches are mostly used as decorative elements, but it was important for us to incorporate this beautiful structure into our design as a veritable structural element. Meantime, an element that would give the most expression to the loggia spaces of the villa.
Meanwhile, the villa is cleverly terraced along the slope of the cliff, allowing each level to enjoy panoramic views of the sea. And this not only maximizes the use of available space of the plot but also creates a sense of unity with the surrounding landscape. Here architecture represents as the manmade Second Nature and refers to the concept of designing and constructing built environments that seamlessly integrate with the natural world. It is an approach that aims to create harmonious and sustainable structures that coexist with nature.
Moreover, the philosophy behind the villa's architecture is not just about to be functional but also to complement and enhance the surrounding natural landscape. The design takes into account factors such as site topography, local climate, vegetation, local traditions, natural materials, implementing energy-efficient systems, as well as incorporating passive design strategies to maximize natural light, ventilation, and thermal comfort. Furthermore, this approach emphasizes the creation of spaces that promote human well-being and connection with nature. The villa is designed to open up to outdoor spaces, providing access to gardens, and terraces. Extensive blown-in loggias with arcades create shaded spaces while reducing the heating of the walls of the villa's interior from solar radiation. Natural elements such as water features, green roofs, and vertical gardens are integrated to create a sense of tranquility, biophilic connection and harmonious coexistence with surrounding.
On the lowest terrace there is a large swimming pool, with constantly circulated water. Positioned to capture the most sunlight and views, the pool becomes a focal point of relaxation and enjoyment.
In our design we also focused on the enfilade loggias facing south to the sea. And at the same time, solving specific structural issues, seismic as well, to ensure the rigidity and stability of the building, we went for a hybrid model of the structure made of concrete envelopes and arched brickwork braced framing. Nowadays, in our opinion, arches are mostly used as decorative elements, but it was important for us to incorporate this beautiful structure into our design as a veritable structural element. Meantime, an element that would give the most expression to the loggia spaces of the villa.
