Casa P+E+3: two medieval-style structures hide a contemporary home
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Casa P+E+3: two medieval-style structures hide a contemporary home

Caprioglio Architects

Casa P+E+3: two medieval-style structures hide a contemporary home
By Editorial Staff -

In its design for Casa P+E+3, Caprioglio Architects drew its inspiration from the ancient walls of the town of Cittadella, giving form to a new living concept that uses brick as a theme that runs through the entire project. Casa P+E+3, an L-shaped private residence on two levels, alternates materiality and transparency, while reflecting the most recent sustainability and energy saving measures.

THE PROJECT

The design of Casa P+E+3 in Cittadella was inspired by the medieval walls that still surround this ancient town near Padua. The design of the private residence, which was completed last year, was by Venetian studio Caprioglio Architects, established over 20 years ago and headed by architect Filippo Caprioglio. The starring elements in the design are two imposing exposed brick walls, a reference to the town’s ancient walls, both as regards their material and protective functions.

BRICKWORK AS A SIGNATURE STYLE

The use of brick in Casa P+E+3 establishes a dialogue between the residence and its setting. It’s also the central theme of the design, appearing both inside and outside the home. The building, which has 5400 square feet (500 m2) of floor space, occupies two aboveground floors and has an L-shape plan. Its north- and east-facing elevations are distinguished by the two exposed brick structures. The rhythm established by the open spaces in these walls also brings to mind the image of medieval walls.

The bricks, which add a wide range of hues to the design, are up to 19 inches (49 cm) long by only 1.6 inches (4 cm) in height. They create an elegant sense of proportion, highlighted by their horizontal courses. The south- and west-facing elevations, which overlook the garden, are quite different, distinguished by large windows with views towards the town walls and Porta Bassano. The ends of these walls incorporate vertical gardens, while the covered patio to the south is surmounted by a green roof.

INTERIOR DESIGN

The interiors are conceived as continuous spaces but are flexible enough to be divided up as needed. The layout of the ground floor centers on the large space occupied by the kitchen, with its island counter, and dining room, with its large table. Both sides of this space are fully glazed to establish a continuity with the garden. This area is separated from the living room, however, by a wall with a fireplace that opens on both sides.

The front door, which also leads to the study, is on the western elevation. A second entrance, to the east, opens onto a double-height space, brought to life by an internal vertical garden. An open staircase leads off this area, the stairs offering views over the garden via a glazed back wall.

The north side of the home has three spacious bedrooms and two bathrooms. The eastern side is handed over to the master bedroom, with its ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet. The house also has a basement level, which occupies two-thirds of the building’s footprint. This area, which includes the garage, services areas, and a cellar, is accessed via the driveway or the internal staircase.

SUSTAINABILITY

Casa P+E+3 was designed with sustainability a key consideration, including the orientation of the building, which makes the best of sunshine and natural ventilation. These measures ensure the well-being of the residents, while the various services, which include a photovoltaic system, have been engineered to ensure high energy savings.

Architect: Caprioglio Architects - Filippo Caprioglio
Location: Cittadella (PD)
Year: 2020
Brick cladding: MAAX SanMarco bricks by Terreal Italia
Photography by © Paolo Monello
courtesy of Filippo Caprioglio

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