F+C House: architecture by nature

When sustainability and biophilia meet in an architectural project, a dwelling is born that promotes the well-being of those who live in it: the design is based, in fact, on the natural human inclination to ‘feel good’ immersed in nature. The concept of ‘biophilia’ (etymologically ‘love of life’), introduced in 1964 by the German psychoanalyst and philosopher Erich Fromm, describes the psychological attraction of human beings towards everything that is alive and vital. The main challenge of biophilic design is to fill the gaps in the built environment, creating spaces that integrate beneficial natural elements to enhance the quality of life.

Read also: House Z, the future is sustainable

A healthy and environmentally friendly building

Sustainability and biophilicity are the key ideas on which F+C House, which architect Michele Perlini realised for a young couple in the Veronese hills, rests. ‘The project is based on sustainable and biophilic architecture, with a focus on the selection of certified materials. The use of sustainable products guarantees healthy and environmentally friendly buildings, improving people’s health and well-being,’ explains Perlini. The house is certified CasaClima A: ‘The main advantages include: reduction of emissions in the construction sector, lower consumption of non-renewable resources, optimisation of energy consumption (annual consumption 15 KW/sqm) and water consumption, increased comfort and safety, and increased building value.

Sculptural and monolithic architecture

F+C House is set in a scenic location with its sculptural and monolithic architecture in the green Torricelle area. The property covers some 2,500 square metres and offers a living area of 300 square metres. ‘The client, a young couple from Verona, wanted a villa that would harmonise private spaces and common areas, offering everyone the right amount of privacy and moments of sharing,’ Perlini continues. ‘Their goal was a contemporary style, capable of mixing functionality and elegance, with a strong connection to the surrounding environment. Furthermore, the couple requested oriental-inspired details, such as natural materials and essential lines, to infuse the house with an atmosphere of peace and harmony’.

Two levels connected by a suspended staircase

The house is on two levels: on the ground floor, a large open space houses the living area, separated from the kitchen and dining room by a large custom-built water vapour fireplace. The rooms open up towards the garden through large windows. A suspended staircase, backlit and custom-designed, ascends to the first floor, where the master suite, inspired by the Japanese style, is located, with an open bathroom and walk-in wardrobe. The master bedroom overlooks a panoramic terrace equipped with a whirlpool bath; a second bedroom with en-suite bathroom, a study and a laundry area complete the rooms. A large terrace embraces the entire upper floor, while the sloping surfaces of the perimeter walls recall the shape of a large telescope, emphasising and framing the view of the hills.

Balanced spaces

‘The couple’s requests have been translated into a design that combines intimacy and sociability. The private spaces have been designed to guarantee privacy, while the communal areas are large and versatile, ideal for sharing moments with friends and family. The architecture makes use of large windows to establish a dialogue between indoors and outdoors, enhancing the natural panorama and flooding the rooms with light. Natural materials and details inspired by Japanese aesthetics give a sense of balance to the spaces,’ the designer emphasises.

A minimalist and functional philosophy

In the interior, the same minimalist and functional philosophy characterises every detail. Clay walls regulate humidity, ensuring an optimal interior microclimate and a feeling of absolute comfort. The false ceiling incorporates motorised roller blinds, which disappear to create continuity between inside and outside, as well as an air conditioning system with linear diffusers and concealed sockets. The kitchen, like the interior furnishings, is custom-designed to blend in seamlessly. Iconic design pieces and customised furniture complete the spaces. The lighting is designed with light cuts, grooves and spots that emit warm light (3000 K), creating a cosy atmosphere. A controlled mechanical ventilation system ensures air exchange at regular intervals, improving living comfort.

Dialogue between indoor and outdoor

‘I usually always fall in love with the latest project, and F+C House is no exception, as it represents the synthesis of many ideas I am working on at this stage of my career. In this project, I explored a new compositional approach capable of standing out for its strong and iconic presence. Each element was designed to dialogue with its surroundings, creating a continuous relationship between volumes, geometries and the natural landscape. This compositional change allowed me to experiment with essential shapes and materials that enhance light and shadow, emphasising the character of the entire project,’ Perlini concludes.

Photos: Francesco Scandinavo