massimo nodari sets casa bertelli into the italian alps

massimo nordari sets casa bertelli into the italian alps
all images courtesy of massimo nordari

massimo nordari‘s ‘casa bertelli’ is a building situated on a terraced steep slope nestled within the trees and plants of the mountainous italian alps. the trapezoidal shape of the land has generated the architectural volumes of two purely rectangular, cantilevered prisms. at different heights, the masses are rotated one towards the other, and hinged through a central stairwell. in the front road side, the distance for a buffer between the clients and their neighbors is maintained by providing an exterior patio that extends the full width of the site under a 4-meter cantilever. the framed openings of the house are obtained through horizontal slits surrounded by stainless steel jambs, while the main façade is characterized by two deep loggias that open the guest bedroom and the lounge to the landscape. these vast spaces are lined on the inside with fully-slatted ipé, a type of brazilian hardwood, and are highlighted by light fixtures placed along the top edges of exterior walls beneath overhangs. their wide depth also allows the residence to effectively control the solar radiation. furthermore, a large polygonal skylight in the roof generates an interesting effect of the daylight as it floods the whole interior: the distribution of the brightness and the silhouette constantly change throughout the year, the day, and every moment in response to the angle of the sun.

view from the south

the house rests on a stonework basement that incorporates the existing terraces containing bathrooms and garages. meanwhile, the white stucco forms contribute to the project a both refined and contemporary character. respectively, they contain the bedroom and the living area (considered to be the ‘night pavilion’ and the ‘day pavilion’). these enclosures float above the valley, forming protected outdoor places both between and under them. thus the dwelling is an instrument to view the surrounding nature, like a pair of binoculars. the building is energy efficient, being equipped with ventilated walls, thick insulation and alternative energy production systems ecologically compatible.

view from the principal entrance

aerial link between the loggias

the cantilevered galleries

view from north east of the day pavilion 

(left) principal entrance detail
(right) the relationship between the two pavilions

the living room 

the main staircase 

the service bathroom

west façade technical drawing

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