Overview
The main concept of the Villa Mediterranea building is the fusion of the Mediterranean culture with the natural environment. Inspired by the roman villa and by Spanish and Arab heritage, the house takes form through the natural lexicon of Italian expressionism (Moretti, Michelucci etc.), which also maintains a strong memory of Rudolf Steiner. For us, designing a contemporary building in 2016 means establishing a dedicated dialogue with history and with nature.
Structure
The use of simple materials underlines the desire to avoid a popular image of luxury, while instead pursuing a connection with the island, the ground and its tradition. The result is thus informal and hospitable, according to the lessons of Busiri Vici, Couelle and Vietti.
The plan is composed by three different levels that are organically connected by curved paths and stairs, but physically divided in specific functions.
Exterior
The typical central patio is the fulcrum of a complex network of multi-level paths. The impluvium is used to gather water, and it is enriched by a waterfall and creek that connects two swimming pools. The Villa shape follows the natural slope of the ground and lies perfectly on the hill, in a shape reminiscent of an amphitheater surrounded by nature.
Interior
The continuous inside/outside relationship obtained by the big glass windows filtered by hanging gardens, canopies and custom-made bamboo shutters, are reminiscent of the traditional awnings and latticework of Moucharabieh. The bamboo shutters are imported directly from China because the length requested is above standard. They were cut and shipped specifically for the house.
