Villagio San Cassanio

Alba, Italy
Villaggio San Cassiano with Metalunic blinds.
Photo © Barbara Corsico

In the western part of Alba, in a residential area surrounded by greenery, the new Villaggio San Cassiano was designed by the Turin-based architecture firm Archicura, led by Paolo Dellapiana. The concept focuses on a clear design language that emphasizes a harmonious connection between the interior spaces and the picturesque hilly landscape of the Piedmontese town.

On a small plot of land, four single-family homes, each with 140 m² of living space, are arranged to make the most of the surrounding views. Despite the density of the development, the four small houses appear widely spaced. The buildings are characterized by a simple geometry. Both the exterior and interior forms are identical in volume and area, shaped by the incoming light that enters through large window openings. These deep recesses act like telescopes, directing the gaze outward and providing a privileged view of the surroundings.

Each house is fundamentally designed the same but has been further developed to meet the different needs and desires of the four families living there. Each building consists of two white rectangular structures that are orthogonally stacked. This interlocking arrangement ensures a functional layout over two levels, with the main living areas featuring large windows that allow for abundant natural light. Each room faces a different direction, filling with daylight. The purity of the white, seemingly floating volumes and the light flooding the interiors are the key elements that characterize this construction.

The Villaggio San Cassiano residential complex consists of four buildings, each with two above-ground floors and one underground level. The positioning and orientation of each unit have been carefully planned to create an open and spacious feeling despite the high building density. The buildings share identical exterior contours, volumes, and usable spaces, contributing to a harmonious overall appearance. The only difference lies in their arrangement: the houses are paired symmetrically along an imaginary transverse axis. This design ensures an organic and coherent integration into the existing environment while maximizing the best possible views of the surroundings.

The Metalunic louver blinds were chosen as a harmonious addition to this architectural style. They integrate seamlessly into the facade and provide thermal and visual comfort to the building.

Villagio San Cassanio, Alba
Photo © Barbara Corsico
Villaggio San Cassiano with Metalunic blinds.
Photo © Barbara Corsico
Villaggio San Cassiano with Metalunic blinds.
Photo © Barbara Corsico
Manufacturers
Griesser AG
Location
Alba, Italy
Year
2018
Architect
Archicura, Paolo Dellapiana Architetti

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