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Essential and minimalist in its shapes and materials, this residence in Bassano del Grappa brings the sunlight and greenery of the surrounding landscape indoors
To the north there are views of the Sugana Valley, framed by the western slopes of Monte Grappa and the eastern reaches of the Asiago Plateau. To the south, beyond the olive groves, the view extends to the old town center of Bassano del Grappa. House NF, a private residence, stands at the foot of the Venetian Prealps on the outskirts of Bassano del Grappa. The home, entirely constructed in exposed concrete, was designed by Didonè Comacchio Architects, a Vicenza studio led by Paolo Didonè and Devvy Comacchio.
Essential and minimalist in its shapes, volumes, materials, and colors, the residence is distinguished by just a few simple, but also strong and meaningful, elements: concrete, timber, vegetation, and sunlight. These elements combine in highly expressive architecture that makes an aesthetic statement, defines the function of the spaces, and ensures maximum comfort for residents.
The design of House NF grew out of the idea of bringing the natural light and greenery of the surrounding landscape into the home. The architects achieved this by creating two courtyards, each of which has a tree that acts as a vertical counterpoint to the horizontality of the built volume. The first courtyard, in the entrance area, acts as a visual filter to ensure the privacy of the residents from the street. The second, larger and located towards the back of the home, connects the interior with the garden and olive grove.
Most of the home is at ground level, where there is an airy central day zone, designed as a large open space that encompasses both the living area and kitchen. Three bedrooms are arranged around the sides of the space, each with its own bathroom. The garage and laundry are also at this level. Much smaller and almost peeking out from the home’s roof garden, the upstairs section comprises a rectangular volume with floor-to-ceiling glazing enclosing a well-lit study that opens onto a panoramic balcony.
The private atmosphere of the bottom floor and the more open feel of the upstairs office are reflected by two different textures of concrete on the façade, with the bottom 2.7 m cast using wooden formwork that shows all the knots and veins, while the concrete above is smooth.
The building appears closed when seen from the road, from which it is shielded by vertical timber slats, beyond which are the garden and, beyond that, the landscape. Timber is the only material with which the large exposed concrete surfaces interact, its materiality further enhanced by a natural finish.
The interiors also have this combination, with the light parquetry flooring contrasting with a number of exposed concrete walls. Other walls are white plaster, a shade that also plays a prominent role in the kitchen furniture. Straight, with a timber finish, and enclosed between two walls, one exposed concrete and the other plaster, the staircase between the two levels of the house summarize the materials and colors of the project.
>>> Also discover House MD, another residence designed by Didonè Comacchio in Bassano del Grappa
Location: Bassano del Grappa, Vicenza, Italy
Completion: 2022
Client: Private
Built Area: 250 m2
Architect: Didonè Comacchio Architects
Structures: N.O.S.
Photography by Alberto Sinigaglia / Simone Bossi, courtesy of Didonè Comacchio Architects
