this modernist villa in italy is inspired by timeless tuscan architecture

sitting not far from the tyrrhenian coast, 'villa in toscana' is a modernist residence characterized by rhythmic repetitions and the use of old venetian flooring techniques.

P Todeschini edited by jallo admin December 8, 2021 3 min

the l-shaped ‘villa in toscana’ gently leans against a hillside

not far from the tyrrhenian coast in italy, architects emanuela frattini magnusson and pietro todeschini have designed ‘villa in toscana’ as a modernist residence discreetly leaning against the top of a hill. developed on a single level in the shape of a compact parallelepiped, the villa blends into the agricultural landscape of the lower tuscan maremma, characterized by rolling vineyards and olive trees. placed in such an intimate location, the residence owners can enjoy the privilege of isolation and immersion in nature.

inside, the residence features a long distribution corridor that extends from the large entrance and living area (open kitchen, living room, studio) to three bedrooms, which open to the surroundings and a view towards the tyrrenian sea through full-height glazed openings.

this modernist villa in italy is inspired by timeless tuscan architecture - 1 — all images © simone bossi

evoking timeless tuscan architecture + rhytmic repetitions

the architects based the character of ‘villa in toscana’ on rhythmic repetitions and the distinct texture of local materials. on one hand, they used the local ‘alberese’ stone as an exterior material palette. acting as a thick skin, the stone works in continuity with a timeless trait of tuscan architecture, evoking its famously irregular colors and textures.

on the other hand, the interiors feature a strong floor pattern inspired by old venetian techniques and the great interpretation offered by italian architect carlo scarpa . here, magnusson and todeschini executed the designs with local materials: terracotta tiles, dimensioned in proportion to the respective room size and inserted into a mix of cement and carrara marble aggregate. effectively, the choice of coverings gives a rhythmic and material sophistication to the interior’s linear volumetry. see magnusson’s works here, and todeschini’s here.

villa in toscana 5 — the villa sits as an L-shaped plan inserted into a hill

villa in toscana 7 — the interiors feature floor patterns inspired by the old venetian ‘seminato’ and ‘tozzetto’ techniques

villa in toscana 8 — the bedrooms open to the surroundings and a view towards the tyrrenian sea

villa in toscana 9 — a long distribution corridor connects the living areas to the bedrooms

this modernist villa in italy is inspired by timeless tuscan architecture - 2 — terracotta tiles, dimensioned in proportion to the respective room size

project info:

name: villa in toscana

location: grosseto, tuscany, italy

category: private residence

area: 200 sqm

project year: 2018-19

architects: pietro todeschini, emanuela frattini magnusson

photography: simone bossi

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