Nestled among the hills of Genoa, Villa Hembert is the result of a project that challenges the topography and celebrates light. Designed by Officina Architetti, under the direction of Hembert Penaranda, the villa is set within a complex hilly landscape, with the goal of establishing a continuous dialogue between architecture, landscape, and vision.
The project develops over a contained surface area of 160 square meters, distributed across multiple levels that follow the natural inclination of the terrain. The villa is conceived as a sequence of interconnected volumes through terraces, gardens, and outdoor pathways, conceived not only as functional elements but as an integral part of the architectural narrative. The lightness of the steel structures and the extensive use of glass allow the interior spaces to blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment, making the landscape an essential part of the living experience.
The main body contains the everyday functions: living room, kitchen, dining area, and a master suite, all facing outward through full-height glass panels. Natural light penetrates every corner, highlighting the carefully selected materials: wood, natural stone, and steel, combined to create a warm yet minimalist environment. On the lower level, a second volume houses the sleeping area with three bedrooms and four bathrooms, one of which directly services the infinity pool, designed with low environmental impact. Its walkable roof transforms into a terrace for the upper level, exemplifying a perfect case of functional and landscape layering.
The third volume, more compact, is dedicated to leisure: a cinema room, a gym, and a relaxation area with a billiard table, forming a cozy and informal space designed for socializing and well-being. The outdoor spaces are characterized by a Mediterranean vegetation—cypresses, olive trees, magnolias—that, in addition to enhancing the environmental integration, strengthens the sense of continuity with the Ligurian landscape.
Villa Hembert is a project that combines poetry and technique: the articulation of volumes, material choices, and attention to sustainability demonstrate a clear design intent capable of responding to contemporary needs without sacrificing the place’s identity. The interiors and exteriors are enriched with elements of art and design, creating a coherent narrative that reflects the studio’s sensitivity to detail and its relationship with the context.
Officina Architetti, founded by Hembert Penaranda, is a multidisciplinary studio with offices in Italy and abroad, known for its ability to work on a global scale while maintaining a bespoke approach. With over 400 projects across 40 countries, the studio proposes an architecture that centers around ideas, context, and space quality.
For more info: www.hembert.com
CREDITS
Project: Villa Bellavista
Architect: Officina Architetti
Location: Genoa, Italy
Year: 2022
Photograph: Angelo Dadda
