Get ready to be inspired by the incredible contrast of refinement and ruggedness in this Italian home! MoDus Architects, an Italian studio, has crafted a masterpiece called Hometown House, nestled in the beautiful Non Valley. This dwelling is a true reflection of its rural surroundings and the client's unique story.
Hometown House stands on the very site where the client's parents once lived, and it's designed to accommodate both large family gatherings and the daily lives of its two residents. The architects, Sandy Attia and Matteo Scagnol, founders of MoDus Architects, have created a space that embodies the dual character of the site and the client's personal history.
The exterior of the house is a bold statement with its black-stained larch cladding, while the interiors are a breath of fresh air, lined with pale larch. This contrast is not just aesthetic; it represents the dialogue between wood and stone, warmth and resistance.
But here's where it gets interesting: the V-shaped floor plan is a clever design choice. It separates the ground floor into two distinct areas - a large living space and a kitchen-dining area with access to an outdoor patio. The inner walls of this V-shape offer breathtaking views of the landscape, while the outer windows frame the surrounding residential buildings.
Above, four bedrooms are organized around a central study, with three ensuite. The sloping timber-clad ceilings and square skylights add a unique touch, creating an active mediator between the house and its environment.
And this is the part most people miss: buried within the partially sunken stone base is an independent apartment, a garage, a laundry, and even a traditional Alpine stube - a wood-panelled living area. The stone plinth extends upwards, framing the main entrance with chamfered edges and a unique timber door, a recurring motif in MoDus Architects' work.
MoDus Architects' previous projects, such as the kindergarten in Terlano with its tartan-patterned facade and the sports centre in Laghetti with its tapering tower, showcase their ability to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.
So, what do you think? Is this a harmonious blend of refinement and ruggedness, or does it miss the mark? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
