Sixties today – Messner Architects

A house from the 1960s that overlooks vineyards and the historic center of the Appiano area in Trentino-Alto Adige, with mountain peaks on the horizon and surrounded by a large garden has acquired a new, more contemporary identity. The four-pitch roof, the corner balcony, the white windows rigorously arranged in the facade, the sprayed plaster with detached cornices and the plinth made of porphyry ashlars define this type of house from the 1960s. When a young family decided to move into this house and brought their own vision and expectations. Instead of an exact replica of a single layout on both floors, the new owners envisioned a ground floor with generous and inviting rooms intended for family life, and an upper floor that was to be the retreat area with bedrooms for each member.

Daylight, comfortable rooms, storage space and direct access to the garden were the aspects that guided the direction of this renovation.
The demand for more daylight and brightness was met by installing two openings: one on the north façade and one on the south façade. On the north side, a room-high sliding door was installed that opens to the garden. The living quarters on the south side open to the front courtyard through a long flush fixed glazing. The flowing arrangement of rooms on the ground floor is defined by a large built-in cabinet that serves as storage for the entry, kitchen and living room on the outside, and houses a bathroom on the inside.

The front door leads along the cabinet to the kitchen where a monolithic kitchen island dominates the room.Materials, colors and surfaces were informed by the client’s desire for hardwood floors. On the ground floor we opted for white larch, brushed and oiled, and on the second floor we chose spruce, again brushed and oiled. The goal of the project was to deliver a bespoke product that could meet the needs of a family and its daily life. The rigidity of the house previously has gradually faded into a new custom home that is in harmony with the lush transition that surrounds it.

For further information please visit www.messnerarchitects.com

CREDITS
Project: Tra vigne e monti (renovation of a house from the sixties)
Architect: Messner Architects
Year: 2020
Photo: Karina Castro