Casa Visibilio is a private residence located in the wine region of South Tyrol, designed by MoDusArchitects. The house blends the knowledge of craftsmen and sophisticated technologies, with artistic references and local traditions.
In the enchanting wine region of Alto Adige, surrounded by a strong agricultural vocation, stands Casa Visibilio, an architectural work designed by MoDusArchitects. This private residence represents a real union between the wisdom of the craftsmen and sophisticated technologies, between heterogeneous textures and traditional lexicons.
Although it may appear as a single house from the outside, Casa Visibilio instead contains two independent units inside. The project is a reinterpretation of traditional construction principles and the forms of the typical South Tyrolean farmhouse, complete with an underground cellar and a majestic wood-burning stove.
Sandy Attia and Matteo Scagnol, co-founders of MoDusArchitects, explain that the inspiration for this eclectic project came from works of art such as the sickle, trellis and abstract reliefs by Ellsworth Kelly. These elements blend with the agrarian heritage of the place and with distant contexts, giving life to a play of complementary forces generated by the lines and curves that give the project a unique formal and spatial quality.
The position of Casa Visibilio was carefully chosen, located at the north end of a long and narrow lot, with the main volume facing south to optimize sun exposure. In the warmer months, the curved roof and controlled shading systems mitigate the effect of the sun. Clad in hand-made bricks in dark, light and sandy gray shades, Casa Visibilio recalls the style of ancient barns, where the rhythm of solids and voids in the masonry creates suggestive plays of light and shadow.
To further enrich the elevations, steel was strategically employed in the lintels of the windows, the balustrades of the balconies, the screens and the profile of the canal-fountain of the entrance square. Steel marks the boundary between the exterior and interior of the house, giving a touch of modernity and minimalism.
The internal distribution of Casa Visibilio is spread over three floors (one underground and two above ground), offering a plurality of living experiences. An intimate, linear entryway leads to the main living spaces, including a double-height living room, open kitchen, dining area with a breakfast patio, guest quarters, study, and media room.
The interplay of materials and traditions is also reflected in the flooring of the interiors: in the basement, the square terracotta joins the clay and cocciopesto of the walls; on the ground floor, the light aggregates of the terrazzo floor harmonize with the fireplace wall, decorated with fragments of Lasa stone and mother-of-pearl. The fireplace itself recalls the intimate dimension of the "stube", typical of the South Tyrolean living room.
The attention to detail and attention to the tactile dimension of the surfaces are reflected in the custom-designed furnishings by MoDusArchitects. The central staircase, conceived as a separate piece of furniture, was created in collaboration with the structural engineer, the blacksmith and the client. The steel structure of the staircase was buffered by a rope weave, made directly by the customer, creating a fascinating interplay of opacity and transparency.
Environmental sustainability was a priority in the design of Casa Visibilio. In addition to the photovoltaic panels and the geothermal system, radiant floor and ceiling systems have been used for heating and cooling. The mechanically controlled ventilation system ensures efficient dehumidification of the rooms. Rainwater is collected and used to irrigate the green areas, the garden and the kitchen garden.
Combining low-tech and high-tech solutions, Casa Visibilio is a project that has obtained the prestigious CasaClima Gold Nature certificate, which rewards the eco-compatibility of the materials and systems used in the construction and the water impact of the building. The result is a harmonious marriage between the vernacular tradition and modernity, an example of how architecture can intelligently blend the ancient with the contemporary. Casa Visibilio has just begun to write its own history, a home that stands out for its timeless charm and attention to the surrounding environment.
project info
PROJECT NAME: Visibilio house
PLACE: Oltradige (Bolzano), Alto Adige, Italy
ARCHITECT: MoDusArchitects (Sandy Attia, Matteo Scagnol)
PROJECT TEAM: Sandy Attia, Matteo Scagnol, Martina Salmaso
CLIENT: Private
COMPLETION: 2022
PROJECT AREA: 3.076 m²
BUILT AREA: 1.090 m²
LIGHTING CONSULTANT: Lichtstudio Eisenkeil
HOME AUTOMATION CONSULTANT: ProgPlan srl
KLIMAHAUS CONSULTANT: Giovanni Cutrone, Restartec srl
MANUFACTURING COMPANY: Bernard Bau GmbH
PHOTOGRAPH: ©Paolo Abate, ©Gustav Willeit, ©Jürgen Eheim (models)
