The transformation of an old stable located in the middle of a property dating back to the 1800s in northern Italy into a cellar became a major challenge. The richness of the coatings and ornaments of the old building required the utmost attention and respect, which ultimately led to a less aggressive solution. Brescia is located in the middle of the wine valley, and we used the barrels used to age the wine to guide the concept of the project, defining the materials, colors and textures. The new space would connect a large dining room with the internal garden, so as well as housing the storage space for around 1,000 labels, a fireplace, a table for small meals and tastings, the flow had to be easy and comprehensible.
The client wanted to renovate a small summer house that had been part of the family's history for generations. The land was below street level and had a history of flooding, and the condition of the materials was too precarious to seek partial use. After a clear assessment of the limited benefits of renovation in this case, the architect's desire to raise the level of settlement of the house on the plot gained strength and the decision to demolish and build a new house was made.
The project seeks to bring the incredible atmosphere of a small, charming beach in Santa Catarina to the interior of the residence, which is surrounded by the sea and lush topography covered in green forest. The best views, adequate sunlight and cross-circulation of the sea breeze were sought, without losing sight of the budget limitation of 500,000 reais for the execution of the work.
To free up the first floor, the basic concept of modern architecture was used, with the bedroom block resting on metal pelmets, thus recreating the veranda that housed family gatherings for decades in the old house that will now be demolished to make way for the new project, but among other things, now with sea views.
The strategy for occupying the land basically consists of creating two volumes connected by a lateral circulation covered with a garden slab that allows for sheltered circulation between the blocks. The outbuilding, which houses the service area, kitchen, dining room, TV and fifth bedroom, is separated from the front of the house by the pool area and on its roof there is a terrace for the vegetable garden and a deck for contemplating Grant Hill and the sea.
The construction system used in this project is a mixed system of prestressed concrete slabs and metal pillars. This system allowed the old veranda to be recreated with just two central pillars, like those of the old house, giving lightness and visual permeability to the area where the house is most popular during the summers.
To strengthen the front façade in a coastal environment, a cladding was designed to completely envelop the upper volume with autoclaved pine, an environmentally certified wood, so that it also functions as a platform for communicating the concern for sustainability that is strongly allied to the issues of solar energy co-generation and low consumption of environmentally aggressive materials, used in the principles of all the project specifications.
The project was conceived taking into account the fact that the site is in a region with a warm, temperate climate and is sandwiched between the houses of relatives and friends who are related, crossing generations and who have cultivated the habit of sharing social life. The result is an open project, without formal barriers, where leisure and socializing mix and connect directly to the street.
We tried to bring a language to the conceptual project that strongly dialogued with Kangaroo's DNA.
We have formally divided the space into 4 sessions: Relationship with the external client, work area, decompression and support. Taking into account the particularities of the space, we seek to favor full interaction.
We think of coatings and textures that have a strong link to the conceptual principle, good value for money, and that wear and tear over time are combined with good aesthetics.
Passion for architecture is undoubtedly what drives us. Each project brings a new challenge. We think about every detail and there are many: color, materials, layout, comfort, functionality... The challenge this time was to use our skills with the same care that Collezione takes with its clients. Once we had found the harmony between the elements, we had the project and a new stage to overcome: the work. Refurbishing a store is always a race against time. Dynamism and trust become key elements. We did 90 days in 30, and in those 30 days we found ourselves with committed suppliers and a client who really put her faith in our experience.
In the past we found a store with aesthetic values from another time, with compartmentalized spaces and irregular construction. The limitation of the old building close to the sidewalk was a constraint brought over from the construction of the 60s. Through the use of porticos, a balance between internal spaces, proportions between heights, widths and distances, we defined a façade that respected the historical limits, but was in line with timeless values. A quick read for those passing by on Manoel Ribas and with subtle details for those strolling in front of the store.
Inside, it's worth feeling at home with the revitalized wooden floors. In the integrated, well-lit space, you can appreciate every detail of each product, which are the real protagonists. The large glass top at the entrance exposes the full potential of a well-crafted table. The grey walls help to highlight the color palette of the fabrics with a touch of elegance.
The Boulevard in front of Buenos Aires Street was developed to revitalize the existing circulation and access space. The implementation of this area will create new living and leisure spaces that, together with the future stores in sector 10, will requalify the existing space, transforming the front area of the stadium, which has public/private characteristics, into a friendly and welcoming area. It will also help control heavy traffic, which routinely destroys the sidewalk due to the lack of restrictive elements.
In order to configure the seating areas and allow the flow of crowds in coexistence with the activities of the Boulevard and the complex, the plan was organized into exclusive areas related to the stores where metal gazebos will be installed with tensioned canvas roofs and lighting. To enhance the quality of the space, some urban and landscaping equipment has been designed, such as the installation of flower beds along the entire area where trees will be planted at a height of approximately 15m; stone benches around the perimeter of the flower beds, a stage in the central area for exhibitions and events and a bicycle stand.
The flooring will be installed according to the area and use of the space. A metal floor grid will be installed in the high-traffic circulations, gray drainage-type Tecnogran flooring will be laid in the secondary circulations, and white Tecnogran flooring will be laid in the prime retail areas. The sidewalks will comply with all the definitions of the landscaping project approved by the City Council in due course, and directional and warning podo-tactile flooring will be installed for the visually impaired in accordance with the Standards. The existing curb will be demolished and built to City Hall standards.
Lastly, along the access route to the stores, the installation of a metal grid ceiling, lighting and a metal front finishing profile which, as well as supporting the lighting, will act as an aesthetic finish concealing the Esplanade's PA pipes.
In the basement of a century-old house, with only 20 m² and very low ceilings, it was possible to design a comfortable and cozy space, using materials from the site itself: stone, wood and iron.
The old balustrades and stone walls with their arches have been preserved and used to divide the wine cellar and pantry spaces. The wine cellar itself has an edge channel that houses indirect lighting and highlights the walls of the floor.
The support for the bottles, made of metal profiles and glass, gives transparency to the beautiful walls between labels.
