Villa Orizzonte: Where Modern Design Meets Environmental Consciousness | UNICA Architects

Nestled within the serene landscape of the Italian Pianura Padana, Villa Orizzonte is a contemporary masterpiece seamlessly integrating with its natural surroundings. Situated on the outskirts of a quaint riverside town, this single-story villa pays homage to the footprint of a former two-story rural house, embracing the land in a horizontal embrace rather than a volumetric imposition. The villa’s roof, conceived as a fifth façade, boasts an array of carefully selected solar panels and skylights, harnessing energy efficiency while infusing the indoor and outdoor spaces with natural light. Four strategically placed voids within the roof create captivating architectural focal points, from a Roman atrium at the entrance to a private patio for the master bedroom. These voids not only enhance the aesthetics but also dictate the rhythm of the interior spaces. Functionally, Villa Orizzonte is divided into two distinct volumes. The first, encased in stone cladding, houses service areas, a garage, and a compact office space. In contrast, the second volume exudes a lighter ambiance, accommodating the kitchen, living room, three en-suite bedrooms, and a dining area enveloped by expansive sliding glass doors, seamlessly merging the indoors with the garden. The villa’s design fosters a dynamic promenade as one explores its interconnected volumes, where materials blend harmoniously with greenery. An elegant suspended marble-cladded fireplace becomes the centerpiece of the living room, fostering visual connections and a sense of unity throughout. An outdoor porch connects communal spaces, with the pool’s reflective waters serving as a mirror for the façade and sky. Windows with minimalist frames blur the boundaries between the interior and exterior, while water, thoughtfully incorporated as a building material, cools the environment and visually extends the built surfaces. Sustainability takes center stage in the Villa Orizzonte project. Passive and active bio-climatic systems create a comfortable internal climate while minimizing energy consumption. Cross ventilation is facilitated by the south porch, and rooftop openings form Mediterranean patios adorned with greenery, offering respite from the sun’s rays. Proximity to the pool enhances ventilation through convective air motions. Villa Orizzonte adheres to the Energy Performance Building Directive of the EU and employs bio-climatic design equipment, including PV and solar panels, to achieve NZEB (Nearly Zero-Energy Building) classification. This architectural masterpiece narrates its story through a consistent and sustainable architectural language, where every element embodies the same philosophy—a harmonious blend of modern living and environmental consciousness.