My team and I immediately fell in love with the property and took the challenge to heart. Over the next three years, we carefully designed every detail, rethought every space, researched every element and studied every solution in order to achieve results that best combined authenticity and technical prowess. The result was, for example, vast volumes without visible structural elements, integrated technical networks hidden behind architectural elements, large openings treated with the charm of the past, framing views of the garden and allowing generous streams of light to enter the interior, and so on. Despite the limited surface area of the main house, the new distribution made it possible for us to obtain a large living space (150m² dedicated to the living and dining rooms), 8 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, a home cinema, a playroom and 2 kitchens.
Once the structural work was completed, and with the space layout meeting the needs of Mr. & Mrs. M, we focused on the finishing and design aspects of the project. Our objective was to create a functional, harmonious and cosy home. Inspiration came from our desire to include in our projects high levels of craftsmanship, dedicated to unique and exceptional artistic creations. Thus, we integrated where possible bespoke 'works of art' in which the craftsman would be the artist. For example, the truly masterful ironwork* (exterior & interior railings, gates, awnings, planters, curtain rails, coffee tables, chandeliers, and so on), was designed and forged with meticulous care and passion by an artist craftsman. Each bathroom was decorated with a personalized design, including the exceptional fixtures**, which were specially designed for each setting, to perfectly matched the tiles. In the stairwell, a double height stained-glass window*** full of poetry, harmony and paradoxes illuminates the interior of the house, creating a skilful play of colours, textures and lights and telling its story: an extraordinary dream...
For the interior decoration of the house, we chose unique, elegant and yet unpretentious designs, with the emphasis on comfort and well-being. Upon entry into the main house, we are immediately captivated by the vibrant and majestically sculptural giant bonsai tree, which occupies the patio, the pivotal space between the entrance hall, the living room and the dining room. Thus, the bonsai greets us and accompanies us from room to room. Once in the living room, we discover the stunning stone staircase, which drapes elegantly up to the first floor. The stuccoed walls, the woodwork with their aged patina, all in subdued and warm colours (shades of beige, brick, taupe...), are combined with refined materials and luxurious but sober fabrics. An exquisite stone 'marquetry' work adorns the floor of the entrance hall, whilst Navona, a lovely limestone flooring is used for the rest of the ground floor and beautiful antique parquet flooring welcome us elsewhere. As for the furniture, these are pleasant and harmonious, with a mix of comfortable furniture and precious antique pieces.
The landscaping project, whilst perfectly respecting Mediterranean characteristics, was developed with aesthetic considerations in mind and in order to become the harmonious backdrop to the house. The garden has been magnified in such a way as to preserve its natural elements (in particular the extraordinary pine tree at the corner of the house, which was nurtured throughout the construction works and for which the architectural project was modified in order to ensure its survival), and has been adorned with a palette of plants adapted to the Mediterranean climate, whose blooms alternate with the seasons and which may be enjoyed during a walk through this eclectic garden, full of surprises. The icing on the cake: the tree house in the pine forest which provides a play area for the happiness of children and for the dreams of adults.
PROJECT CARRIED OUT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
