Summer Residences

Project Description

The site is located among the hills in the province of La Spezia, a territory mainly characterized by steep slopes and terracings looking onto the sea. The site area is a slope 15m high, currently divided into 3 main terracings.
Following the typical local use, the area has been divided into terraces parallel to the existing contour lines. Taking advantage of this peculiarity, we decided to set the 16 required units along the slope, and to place them at different levels (max 2 per level) in order to generate articulated and stepped volumes; the massing is reinforced by the units configuration as well.

Each unit corresponds to a module; their combination forms two main parallel volumes, one of which is split by a passage. They have a fixed width and a variable length, while their height can be single or double, thus introducing further variations.

A main road, that surrounds the north side of the site, functions as a linking element between the residences and the public spaces; it crosses secondary paths and creates a net that mixes with the private units.

 

 

 

 

Instead of forming a typical segregated cluster of residences, the units are independent yet part of a continuous system without a clear separation between public and private areas. The different levels guarantee privacy and allow diverse views on the surrounding landscape, enhancing the relation with the context.

The southern part of the lot, where building is not allowed, is completely green. The trees are gathered in groups, forming areas of different density. Along contour levels two big vegetable gardens have been placed; each resident has his own portion combined with a small shed. They are connected to one of the secondary paths and consequently integrated into the circulation system and the public activities of the area.

Project Details:

Client: Private
Status: Concept design phase
Location: Rocchetta di Vara (La Spezia), Italy
Program: Total Area: 10000m2, 16 Units: 1200m2

Architect: MAR office & www PSC
Team: Renato Juarez Corso, Paola Mongiu, Sebastian Corso