Project: House for an Artist
Architecture: Piraccini + Potente Architettura
Location: Cesena, Italy
Year: 2019
Photo Credits: Helenio Barbetta
The role of an architect goes far beyond drafting blueprints—it involves translating an intellectual vision into a living space that resonates with the client’s needs and personal style. In House for an Artist, this process unfolds through an extraordinary collaboration between architect and client, resulting in a home that reflects both artistic expression and innovative, sustainable design.
Collaborative Vision and Creative Dialogue
From the very first sketch, the design of House for an Artist was deeply influenced by the shared narrative between the architect and the client, Marcantonio Raimondi Malerba. Renowned as an artist and designer—whose creations have significantly impacted the global industrial design scene, including his iconic Monkey Lamp by Seletti—Marcantonio brings a distinct contemporary vision enriched by a strong cultural background, a playful sense of irony, and a profound love for nature.
This project stands as a powerful example of successful communication and mutual understanding. While the architect’s task is to blend historical knowledge, current trends, and future innovations into a cohesive design, Marcantonio’s deep appreciation for art and nature ensures that every element of the home speaks his language. The result is a residence that mirrors his inner world—a creative space that is as functional as it is aesthetically captivating.
Reinterpreting Tradition with Modern Form
Drawing inspiration from the traditional rural houses of the Forlivese type, the design reinterprets this classic form through a contemporary lens. The structure features two floors with a regular, rectangular form and a dual-pitched roof—an archetype reminiscent of a child’s drawing of a home. Uniform white volumes anchor the building, seamlessly integrating it into a natural landscape marked by mature trees, rolling hills, and expansive fields.
The entrance is defined by a striking volume crafted in steel and glass, which evokes the winter gardens of rustic villas. This element gracefully connects the main living space to a dedicated studio, while a separate service volume is discreetly placed near the pool. The result is a home that balances tradition with modern minimalism, all while honoring the client’s artistic sensibilities.
Sustainable Design and Bioclimatic Innovation
Sustainability is at the heart of House for an Artist. Constructed entirely in wood—with a structure supported by insulators and materials of mineral and biological origin—the home employs a series of bioclimatic strategies to maximize energy efficiency and comfort. Natural ventilation, strategic solar gain during the winter, and effective shading during the summer ensure that the building adapts effortlessly to seasonal changes.
At the center of the two primary bodies, the steel and glass volume functions as a solar greenhouse. This ingenious feature captures sunlight to naturally warm the interior spaces, while a retractable shading system prevents overheating during the warmer months. Remarkably, the home achieves zero atmospheric emissions by avoiding connection to the gas network and not utilizing any combustion-based energy sources. This commitment to sustainable design not only reflects modern environmental ethics but also aligns with the client’s lifelong appreciation for nature.
Conclusion
House for an Artist is more than just a residence—it is a dynamic expression of artistic vision, collaborative dialogue, and environmental responsibility. By blending traditional architectural forms with contemporary aesthetics and cutting-edge sustainability, the project creates a living space that is both timeless and forward-thinking. In every detail, from the uniform white volumes to the strategic use of natural light and bioclimatic innovation, this home stands as a true testament to the power of design in reflecting and enhancing the human spirit.
