A garden with the roof

Even before acquiring the soil, Roberto Ravetta had all designed in his mind. He knew that there would be a swimming pool, that wood would be the main material, and that the house would merge with the landscape. His choices were clear, he only needed to communicate them to architect Jean Pierre Antorini, who in that case is the executor of a dream, in a context too beautiful to be impoverished with a trivial project.

WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY OF YOUR PROJECT?
I’m not an architect, but I knew exactly what I wanted: I realized immediately that this house would become a garden with a roof. With only a few pieces of furniture, in a minimal style, because light and landscape had to be integral part of the building. I was looking for a complete harmony with what is outside the house walls, a perfect balance between the indoor and the outdoor. My goal was to create a unique combination, a continuity between nature and materials. I could not help but choosing Fiemme 3000 wood, which represents the best solution for such a project.

A WOOD GIVING WARMTH AND ATMOSPHERE: HOW DID YOU CHOOSE A SAW-CUTTING WALNUT?
I was considering a beautiful Fiemme 3000 oiled national walnut wood when, almost by accident, I was shown a sample of saw-cutting wood. I only touched it lightly and I had no doubts. I think the floor is like a carpet, I love feeling it under my feet. I think that it was the right choice, because my guests are always impressed.

WIDE PANORAMIC WINDOWS, A SPECIAL CHALLENGE: DID YOUR NEIGHBOURS MAKE OTHER CHOICES?
We built five identical houses here. At the beginning, my neighbours had some doubts about “living in the open-air”, because of the lack of privacy and because they did not want to be seen by everyone, but in the end they were happy. The houses are equipped with special curtains to darken the room and live the house freely. It is a good way of living.

ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE FINAL RESULT?
I can say that here I really feel at home: I lock myself in, but at the same time I’m outside in the landscape, I feel in peace. I enjoy the spaces, the light and the wood.

Architect: Jean Pierre Antorini