Architectural innovation and the tradition of the Vicenza valleys describe the intervention on a villa on the slopes of the Grappa massif (Vicenza): arranged along the slope of the mountain, this new building opens up to a stupendous view of the Bassano plain that extends as far as the Berici mountains and the Euganean Hills.
The client wanted the building to blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape, and for this reason the typical constructive characteristics of valley architecture were used. These can be seen in the building’s low height, developed on two above-ground levels, in the traditional full-height openings towards the valley that recall the presence of barns, in the porticoes and balconies sheltered by parapets and in the modest wooden-framed decks.
The contemporary nature of the structure can instead be recognised in the distinctly modern elements, such as the volume with flat roof and the large window with a panoramic view of the valley floor, characters that dialogue with the typical and traditional ones.
The result is a narrative between past and present that is conducted and moderated by the careful choice of materials for the exterior: Isoplam’s Italian Terrazzo, a reinterpretation of washed gravel, acts as a trait d’union between the two souls of the building and makes the architecture fit harmoniously into the natural landscape. Next to the monolithic body with steel roofing, traditional plaster and exposed local stone cover the facades, in monochrome. All around, the horizontal surfaces alternate the turf with the ItalianTerrazzo washed stone paving, seamlessly, thanks to inserts between the joints and the walkway slabs made of the same material.
ItalianTerrazzo is the new Isoplam solution for exteriors that reinterprets architectural concrete, combining the best performance of cement with care for the environment. The processing of this material also makes it possible to use materials sourced directly on site, guaranteeing the utmost respect for the natural environment with a clear reduction in time and costs. The strength, durability and functionality of concrete are thus combined with eco-sustainable components such as precious marble grit, river stones or natural stones, to which a special coloured and additivated fibre-reinforced mixture is then added, while maintaining a thickness of just a few centimetres. ItalianTerrazzo therefore represents a highly versatile solution, presented by Isoplam in 5 colour bases (Giallo Ocra, Mogano, Cipria, Duna, Incolore), which can be multiplied by using white and/or grey cement as a base in variable proportions, creating plays of colour and material combinations.
This flooring allowed the clients and designers to freely choose the shades, combinations and types of grit and thus gave a natural elegance to the outdoor spaces of the Vicenza home, harmonising the residence with the landscape. Finally, the new Isoplam solution has high abrasion resistance and the formulation with special fibres increases its resistance to freeze-thaw cycles, counteracting shrinkage and cracking. In addition, with the ‘exposed stone’ finish it proves to be an excellent non-slip flooring, perfect even for ramps or sloping roads.
Project by: dsA architettura – Dario Scanavacca architetto
Photo: © dsA architettura + Fabio Baggio
