
Novara, NO, Italia
Residential - Villa
The project presents a refined example of contemporary single-story residential architecture, where material authenticity and volumetric clarity define the overall identity. The design is rooted in a balanced composition of solid and void, combining textured natural stone, smooth plastered surfaces, and warm-toned horizontal elements that frame the structure.
At its core, the house is conceived as a sequence of low, interlocking volumes with flat roofs, emphasizing horizontality and integration with the surrounding landscape. The use of natural stone cladding on selected walls introduces a sense of permanence and tactility, contrasting elegantly with the softer, neutral plaster finishes. These stone planes also act as visual anchors, subtly articulating entrances and transitions between functional zones.
A distinctive architectural feature is the continuous perimeter frameārendered in a corten-like materialāthat wraps the building edges, creating strong linear shadows and reinforcing the geometry. This frame extends outward in key areas to form semi-covered outdoor spaces, blurring the boundary between interior and exterior living.
The entrance is intentionally understated, integrated within the composition rather than expressed as a dominant element. A paved pathway leads through a minimal landscaped front yard, defined by low greenery and stone boundary walls that echo the material language of the house.
On the garden side, the project opens up to a sheltered outdoor dining area. Here, a pergola structure with vertical wooden slats introduces rhythm and transparency, allowing filtered light and partial visual permeability. In another variation, the pergola is softened with cascading greenery, enhancing the connection to nature and creating a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere.
The landscaping strategy is minimal yet deliberateāfeaturing trimmed hedges, ornamental grasses, and open lawn surfacesāto complement the architecture without overwhelming it. The greenery acts as a soft counterpoint to the strong geometric forms and material palette.
Overall, the project embodies a contemporary Mediterranean-inspired approach, where simplicity, natural materials, and indoor-outdoor continuity create a calm and timeless living environment.