No other shape in modern architecture appears more striking than that of a simplistic cubic structure. That is why, the House on the stream by Andrea Oliva immediately caught our attention.
Situated in the boarders of Castelnovo between the stream of Morella and a roman road, the landscape is characterised by channels, ditches, gardens, and agriculture to create an idyllic, peaceful country retreat.
The relationship with the rich agricultural landscape and the house itself is achieved through the enhancement of internal and external viewpoints, combining the solid exterior with intricate porches and windows.
Slightly suspended from the ground, the home is composed of two staggered elements; the open porch which elegantly declines in to the surrounding natural world and the large, insulating housing space.
As atoned, the porch acts as a definitive boundary between the house and the countryside, with the staircases and ramps leading down to the fields acting as a formal figure of nature, representing a natural extension to the roads, paths and stream in the distance.
The exterior facades of the house are treated to added insulation, which are enveloped by the of porch and characterised by solid voids- creating a warm, safe capsule for the home to reside.
The south facing front of the house is made up of large tinted sliding panels that can remain open, half closed or completely closed. Creating an infinite combination of geometric and poetic lines that act as a direct witness to the natural beauty of the changing seasons.
The House on the stream exploits the best natural contributions of the world, through the south facing glass façade, the home anticipates the opening of the ‘winter sun’ and the protection from the ‘afternoon sun’.
Ensuring that across all- seasons the House on the stream is the ideal country retreat.
Check out more work by Andrea Oliva featured on the OPUMO Magazine here.
