Located in Enneberg, South Tyrol, Italy, and built by Pedevilla Architects, the Pliscia 13 is tucked into the slope at an altitude of 1200 meters. Clad in black and showcasing a local gabled roof the home consists of two staggered buildings, as do most of the homes in the neighbourhood. 1 building is for the residence and the 2nd is a farm building. All the materials used in the construction of this home come from the surrounding land. The exposed concrete is created with the local dolomite rock and the wood features come from the local pine and larch forests. Pliscia 13 also features a geothermal and passive solar energy photovoltaic system that supplies the house with all of its power needs and a local water source supplies the water making the villa a self sufficient home built with a local footprint.
The slope is steep and while the façade of the home exposes 3 storeys, the back of the home barely peeks up from the ground. The vertical wood siding on the façade is a typical feature of home in the area.
The fence that surrounds the property almost feels like its falling down the slope due to the steep angle of the land. While the fence is at right angles to the ground the angle is almost 30 degrees to the house itself.
The steep slope allows Pliscia 13 to have a panoramic view of the surrounding lands complete with snow capped mountains, forests and the neighbouring homes.
The panoramic views are an important design feature to the interior. Vast expanses of windows keep the surrounding landscape featured from within while clean lines and minimal details allow the panorama to take centre stage. Keeping the interior architecture simple does not, however, mean keeping it boring. A stunning cantilevered stairwell of wood plank treads creates a modernist sculptural statement.
The interior volume features local dolomite concrete floors and large window trim. The windows are deep set, creating the perfect place to sit and enjoy the views. The deck is outfitted with a simple vertical railing system of powder coated steel that matches the black siding used on the home.
The attic space of the home is fitted with a loft complete with a gridded open section to allow the light from the living rooms windows to flood into the space. The grid work of knotty pine that covers the opening adds a geometric detail that creates a relief art form almost rivaling that of the stairwell.
The shadow lines created by the light passing through the grid work of knotty pine creates a dynamic pattern that is continually in motion as the sun moves across the sky. While the grid work main purpose is that of safety, the horizontal slats offer the perfect place to display books and mementos.
In the far end of the loft a window is located. This window can be opened during the hot season for ventilation and heat release.
The deck off the living space is accessed through a custom-made knotty pine door that has been outfitted, along with the windows, with anodized aluminum handles in a dark bronze finish.
Just past the deck is the dining area. Here the flooring material converts to wood plank for a slightly more cozy effect. This room is also outfitted with a large window for views out to the side and a single over sized industrial looking pendant floods the table with light while keeping high and away from the view line.
A second stairwell leads downstairs and a simple natural fibre rope handrail gently swags from each of its supports for an almost nautical reference.
The natural fibre handrail points towards the knotty pine door, creating a harmonious combination of materials that is further emphasized by the dark bronze door handle and hand rail support.
Downstairs a simple hallway leads to the bedrooms. While there are no windows, the space is kept bright with a series of pot lights spaced to create a continuous flood of light.
The bedrooms have a country vibe with their knotty pine plank flooring and doors. Even the vintage furniture has a hand sanded rustic flare to continue the country aesthetic.
The bathroom makes use of an odd angle line by featuring it as a shower nook complete with ceiling mounted rainshower and floor drain. The room is wrapped in concrete for a low maintenance, splash everywhere design aesthetic. Here all the water comes from a local source and is heated through the photovoltaic system that Pedevilla Architects implemented.
Pliscia 13 offers everything the homeowners could need. Located in such a tiny community of just a hand full of houses, the home still has an urban feel to it that is influenced by the liberal use of concrete and the well crafted larch and pine details. Only the rambling fence and the views beyond gives its country setting away.
Pedevilla Architects
