Casa Shirocco: A Look Inside Ruffano’s Cozy Townhouse
Wrapped in the historical ambiance of Ruffano, Italy, Casa Shirocco, designed by Velz: Architetti, is a manifestation of serene living and simplistic elegance. This house embodies a blend of ancient charm and modern design principles. Velz: Architetti‘s intervention breathes new life into this traditional townhouse, making it a haven of light, space, and tranquility, while maintaining its historical essence.
About Casa Shirocco
Reviving Tradition with Modern Elegance at Casa Shirocco
Casa Shirocco stands just a stone’s throw from Ruffano’s historic heart in Italy—a town revered for its ancient beginnings. Velz: Architetti envisioned this row house as a domestic sanctuary that exudes simplicity and serenity away from urban clamor. The design overcomes its initial gloomy ambiance by inviting natural light and spaciousness into every room, challenging the property’s conventional layout.
By removing the obstructive staircase in the courtyard, they introduced a spiraling staircase that connects the ground level with the upper floors, significantly improving light and air circulation. This home unfolds over several levels, from the street level to the rooftop, each designed with meticulous consideration for light and community.
The entrance, framed by an arched barrel-vault loggia, leads into a spacious living area. Here, a majestic star vault crowns the space, adjoining a wellness zone with a large masonry bathtub, embraced by a courtyard-view through an expansive glass facade. The living room’s separation from one of the bedrooms by an arched iron and glass door incorporates a unique elevation difference, cleverly concealing beds with a custom wooden unit that doubles as a bookshelf and a headboard with built-in nightstands.
A novel structure creates a PÈRTICA, dividing the kitchen from the living room and serving as a modern interpretation of a historical storeroom. This functionally aesthetic division hints at the property’s past, seamlessly integrating storage solutions and design elegance.
The kitchen itself, marked by a small star vault, flaunts a minimalist design that opens directly to the courtyard, enhancing flow and accessibility. A hidden door leads to a second bedroom, which can also be accessed from the courtyard. This bedroom is a study in minimalism, surrounded by traditional white lime walls extruding into nightstands and a bed headboard, ensuring design continuity and spatial harmony.
The color palette of neutrals and white lime, along with the choice of materials like wood and stone, cultivates a tranquil atmosphere. This design not only respects the dwelling’s historic soul but also offers guests an authentic experience of Salento’s calm and charm.
Architectural Innovation in Casa Shirocco
Velz: Architetti’s approach to Casa Shirocco showcases how strategic design can transform a traditional space into a modern sanctuary without losing its historical essence. The project skillfully balances aesthetic appeal with functionality, resulting in a home that stands as a testament to the timeless beauty of Italian architecture infused with contemporary sensibilities.
Photography by 40Mirrors
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