MoDus Architects' Hometown House: A Blend of Refinement and Rustic Charm
Italian architectural firm MoDus Architects has unveiled Hometown House, a stunning residence in Trento, Italy, that seamlessly blends refinement and ruggedness. The project, located in the picturesque Non Valley, is a testament to the studio's ability to create spaces that reflect both the natural surroundings and the client's personal preferences.
The house is situated on the site of the client's parents' former home, adjacent to his brother's residence, offering a unique connection to the family's history. MoDus Architects aimed to capture the essence of the rural landscape by utilizing local materials and a thoughtful design approach.
The exterior showcases a striking contrast with its black-timber facade, while the interiors are bathed in light and airy spaces lined with larch wood. This juxtaposition of materials and textures is a key feature, creating a dialogue between the refined and the rugged.
The design caters to the client's desire for a home that could accommodate both large family gatherings and the daily needs of two residents. The V-shaped floor plan, with its two wings, achieves this by separating the living areas from the kitchen and dining space, providing a flexible and functional layout.
On the ground floor, the living area is slightly sunken, creating a cozy atmosphere, while the kitchen and dining area open onto an external patio, blending indoor and outdoor living. The inner walls feature full-height windows, offering stunning views of the landscape, while smaller windows on the outer edges provide glimpses of the surrounding residential area.
Above, the house boasts four bedrooms, three of which are en-suite, arranged around a central study area. The sloping timber-clad ceilings and square skylights create a unique ambiance, allowing natural light to flood the space. This design element not only enhances the visual appeal but also symbolizes the transition between the indoor and outdoor environments.
The partially sunken stone base of the house houses an independent apartment, garage, laundry, and a traditional Alpine stube, showcasing the studio's attention to detail and respect for local traditions. The main entrance is framed by a stone plinth with chamfered edges, leading to a timber door with an angular push plate that mirrors the floor plan, a signature motif in MoDus Architects' residential work.
Founded in 2000 by Sandy Attia and Matteo Scagnol, MoDus Architects is based in Brixen, northern Italy. The studio has a reputation for creating unique and innovative designs, as evidenced by their previous projects, including a kindergarten in Terlano with a tartan-patterned green plaster facade and a sports center in Laghetti with a tapering tower.
The photography for Hometown House is credited to Simone Bossi, capturing the essence of the project's harmonious blend of refinement and rustic charm.
