A conscious project:
“Casa in Brianza” by Gerosa Studio
A conscious project:
“Casa in Brianza” by Gerosa Studio
What does building a house mean today?
It is no longer possible to ignore the signals that the world is sending us, and for this very reason, building today must increasingly be a conscious and responsible act.
Although very little is entirely sustainable today, we can implement measures and make choices that benefit the environment that hosts us.
Starting from this premise, we will discuss the contemporary villa project near Lake Como designed by architect Andrea Gerosa and engineer and architect Franco Gerosa.
How does this project reflect an awareness of building with an eye to our surroundings?
Let's start with the essential aesthetics of the volume that the designers wanted to create. The project is developed on a single level, in addition to a basement dedicated to garages, technical and service areas, and a library naturally lit by a patio. The roof consists of two protruding, sloping pitches that evoke the idea of domestic protection and the stylistic features of traditional farmhouse architecture. The roof is coated with dark-brown aluminium and is considered a fifth level: elements such as vents, chimneys, collection channels and lifelines are fully integrated into the architectural context without creating a visual clash.
There is, of course, space for state-of-the-art technology such as mechanical ventilation, air expulsion and treatment elements contained in the large rectangular chimney that rises from the building's profile.
The perimeter structure anchors the building to the ground, becoming the sole supporting element of the entire structure and guaranteeing solidity and reduced maintenance.
The outdoor space was also developed based on this concept of reduced maintenance. In fact, the overall geometric balance of the project is embraced by the garden, which, in addition to hosting resilient plant species with reduced water requirements, is illuminated by AISI 316L stainless steel on-spike spotlights from the BENTH line.
The highly resistant material does not require frequent maintenance, except for light cleaning to remove elements that, due to their outdoor location, tend to accumulate on the surface of the fixtures.
In addition, the power cable is protected by a steel spring, which protects against accidental damage from grass cutters and deterioration from UV rays.
The outdoor space can also be enjoyed from inside, which is a real treat for those who live the house. The large glass façade and wide windows visually eliminate the boundary between interior and exterior, maximizing the dialogue with the surrounding green space.
Here too, nothing is left to chance, and, with the intervention of landscape architect Valerio Cozzi, the choices made in terms of greenery are significant and consistent. Evergreen hedges frame the succeeding blooms, open up views of the landscape and bring the features of nature to the forefront of every room.
In this harmonious context, the lighting elements blend in perfectly thanks to the Inox Bronze finish, which complements the environment and takes on the colours of the surrounding nature. It is necessary to provide well-designed, directional lighting that does not impact on the balance of the environment.
This attention to materials is evident throughout the structure. The infinity pool is covered in classic travertine, as are all the external surfaces of the solarium and perimeter paths. The reinforced concrete of the perimeter structure is smoothed with a special type of hand-polished plaster.
Inside, the wooden ceiling panels and the use of stone and oak for the floors give the villa a warm and welcoming feel, in perfect harmony with the external materials and the delicate simplicity and precision of the garden.
From an energy perspective, the residence also meets the client's requirements for a total reduction in consumption from non-renewable sources, and maintenance of the garden is simplified to a minimum with an irrigation system that reuses rainwater. Adjacent to the house, a light structure serves as a covered pedestrian entrance, integrating a large photovoltaic field.
An example of a project that combines design expertise, cutting-edge technology and a conscious choice of materials across the board. Finally, a skilful study of outdoor spaces, not only to frame the house, but as a true hub of well-being and a supporting element.
