Dezeen Magazine

Corrugated copper villa by Camillo Botticini Architetto frames Alpine views

A panoramic window surrounded by a faceted wood and corrugated copper frame dominates the facade of this Alpine residence by Camillo Botticini Architetto (+ slideshow).

Alps Villa by Camillo Botticini Architetto
Photograph by Eugeni Pons

Set in a clearing near the Passo del Cavallo, a high Alpine pass in Italy's Brescia province, Alps Villa is framed by a open valley to the south and the peaks of the Alps to the north.

Alps Villa by Camillo Botticini Architetto
Photograph by Niccolò Galeazzi

The broad window faces out onto the valley, while a courtyard sunken into the slope to the rear of the house gives views of the mountains that rise 1,200 metres above sea level.

Alps Villa by Camillo Botticini Architetto
Photograph by Eugeni Pons

Botticini wanted to strike a balance of "harmony and tension" between the building and the site, and this semi-submerged design helps to creates the illusion that the structure is rooted to the hillside.

Alps Villa by Camillo Botticini Architetto
Photograph by Eugeni Pons

"We are still in a place close to the urban noise but at the same time far away, where the aroma of mountain herbs and grazing sheep seem to have stopped time," said the Italian architect, whose studio is based locally.

Alps Villa by Camillo Botticini Architetto
Photograph by Eugeni Pons

"The house looks like in his primary relationship with the landscape without other artificial elements other than the suspended staircase that cuts the grass slope."

The sheets of pre-rusted corrugated copper and treated Accoya wood that cover the walls help to further integrate the building with the site.

Alps Villa by Camillo Botticini Architetto
Photograph by Eugeni Pons

"The ventilated wall copper is modulated with a slight pleating to vibrate the light on the non-reflecting surface," explained Botticini. "The wood of the great splay reflects light that is refracted from the south."

Alps Villa by Camillo Botticini Architetto
Photograph by Niccolò Galeazzi

A flight of textured metal steps runs up the hillside from a steep hairpin road that bypasses the front of the house. The foot of the stairs is enclosed by a gatehouse-like structure made from same oxidised copper and wood as the house.

Alps Villa by Camillo Botticini Architetto
Photograph by Eugeni Pons

The house's glazed entrance is sheltered by the broad window and a terrace set on its overhanging sill.

Alps Villa by Camillo Botticini Architetto
Photograph by Niccolò Galeazzi

Inside, an irregular C-shaped plan curves around to protect the iroko wood patio. The plan is split into three sections, the first hosting three bedrooms and their corresponding bathrooms, the second a living and dining space, and the third a kitchen and circulation area.

Alps Villa by Camillo Botticini Architetto
Photograph by Niccolò Galeazzi

The height of the building varies due to the sloping site. A mezzanine within its highest part hosts a study above the living area, while a kitchen slotted beneath opens onto the patio.

Alps Villa by Camillo Botticini Architetto
Photograph by Niccolò Galeazzi

"It creates an integrated fluid area and open to the outside, simultaneously protected, almost closed on the east and west sides," said the architect.

Alps Villa by Camillo Botticini Architetto
Photograph by Niccolò Galeazzi

A staircase and elevator connect the basement garage with the living spaces above, which are lit by the window and a long skylight. Artificial lighting it set into recessed grooves around the perimeter of each room.

Alps Villa by Camillo Botticini Architetto
Photograph by Niccolò Galeazzi

The interior floors are made from sand-coloured resin throughout and the walls are covered in white-painted plasterboard.

Alps Villa by Camillo Botticini Architetto
Photograph by Niccolò Galeazzi

Geothermal power, natural ventilation and well-insulated walls help to keep energy consumption and pollution levels to a minimum.

Alps Villa by Camillo Botticini Architetto
Photograph by Niccolò Galeazzi

"We wanted an environmentally friendly home in the building materials and insulation, equipped with ventilated walls, a sustainable home in the settlement balance with the landscape," said the architect.

Photography is by Eugeni Pons and Niccolò Galeazzi.

Alps Villa by Camillo Botticini Architetto
Location plan – click for larger image
Alps Villa by Camillo Botticini Architetto
Basement plan – click for larger image
Alps Villa by Camillo Botticini Architetto
Basement plan – click for larger image
Alps Villa by Camillo Botticini Architetto
Ground floor plan – click for larger image
Alps Villa by Camillo Botticini Architetto
First floor plan – click for larger image
Alps Villa by Camillo Botticini Architetto
Section – click for larger image