Manufactured stone and glass: contrasts that create harmony
A timeless architectural symphony
Elegant lines and harmonious proportions intertwine in a refined dialogue between tradition and innovation, resulting in a villa with a strong and distinctive identity. The classic forms that define its layout conceal a thoughtful and sophisticated design approach, where materials, volumes, and proportions are crafted to provide an intense living experience rich in visual contrasts.
Different languages in a unified vision
The solidity of geopietra® manufactured stone meets the luminous clarity of glass, creating an unexpected visual and perceptual balance that is modern yet never alienating. This architecture communicates through the language of materials and light, maintaining a formal coherence that makes each stylistic choice part of a wider design narrative.
In this exquisite Dutch villa, the classic and the modern do not oppose one another; they coexist, complement, and enhance each other. The architect reinterprets the concept of living through a bold and measured volumetric composition, where each element is designed to enhance both the architectural structure and the surrounding natural landscape.
The main body, articulated over two levels and clad in geopietra® manufactured stone, evokes a traditional, reassuring aesthetic that is almost timeless. Accompanying this more “historic” section at the rear is a single-storey volume that decisively opens towards the garden: an essential, transparent architecture where the lightness of glass replaces any visual barrier.
The contrast between these two volumes – between the solidity of stone and the lightness of glazing – is never stark or ostentatious; rather, it is built upon a design approach that renders even the most pronounced differences harmonious. The result is a residence that surprises with its ability to blend different languages into a coherent, harmonious, and profoundly evocative architectural vision.
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The geopietra® cladding as a distinctive element of the main volume
At the compositional heart of the villa, the two-storey main volume is distinguished by its understated architectural elegance. Here, the choice of materials is an integral part of the design, contributing to the stylistic identity of the entire project and enhancing the dialogue between surfaces, colors, and textures.
The architect plays with the contrast between the pristine white surfaces and the warm, vibrant tones of the manufactured stone, creating a balanced and sophisticated colour palette. The geopietra® cladding, featured in the Toce model, comprises a mix of elongated stones that accentuate the horizontality of the structure, adding depth and rhythm to the overall design.
Its materiality, further highlighted by its authentic appearance, evokes the timeless charm of natural stone while introducing the innovation of a contemporary material. The introduction of the manufactured stone cladding does not compromise the formal clarity of the volume; instead, it enhances it, adding warmth and visual character that enrich the entire composition. This presence is subtle yet impactful, integrating naturally into the architectural language and contributing to the creation of a dynamic, tangible architecture that is attuned to its context.
Stone and Glass: the dual facade of the villa
The villa unfolds as a journey between contrasting elements that harmonise into a coherent narrative: on one side, the solidity of stone; on the other, the vibrant transparency of glass.
At the main entrance, geopietra® manufactured stone clearly defines the entrance area, seamlessly extending towards the garage and the adjacent porch, perfectly integrating into the overall architectural design.
In contrast, the language shifts dramatically on the opposite side: the facade transforms into a completely glazed wall, defining the second living volume. Here, the architecture opens up gracefully, allowing natural light to flood the interiors and creating a continuous dialogue with the garden. This dual choice – material and transparent, solid and light – reflects a deliberate design intent. It seeks to find a dynamic balance between privacy and openness, between introspection and communication with the outside world.
The outcome is a beautifully balanced architectural duality. This dwelling doesn't impose its style; instead, it allows its language to unfold naturally, revealing its unique character and the true essence of contemporary living through the interplay of materials and forms.
Images: Bona Pictura Photography
