a recent architectural competition asked designers to envision a new spirit for roccamandolfi castle, a historic structure in southern italy. in response, a team that includes feng xue, kim diep, and leonardo lamanuzzi has proposed a scheme that would integrate a new layer to the original construction — a structural wall that doubles as a secret passageway.
YAC outlined a set of strict requirements for the competition including a 5 meter height restriction, no more than 3,000 sqm in total footprint, and max 1 meter excavation only outside the castle. the destruction of existing facilities and tree cutting were also forbidden. the collaborative team of feng xue, kim diep, and leonardo lamanuzzi proposed a mysterious and intriguing ‘wall’ which encourages visitors to go searching beyond the castle’s exterior. the designers say that this concept ‘becomes our architectural language as it bridges the past to the present, connecting the castle to the resort’. this element also controls and obscures lines of sight, which in turn creates a sensory experience directed around the ancient ruin.
the concept of a ‘wall’ gains further importance through embracing the castle’s sense of mystery, violence, and conquest. spaces of continuity and obscurity form experiences throughout the castle resort, which may trigger a sense of confrontation outside of one’s comfort zone. on a functional level, the design inherits the hierarchy between the keep and the ramparts of the castle. by separating the accommodation (ramparts) from the gathering space (the keep), it ensures ideal locations of both in terms of views and accessibility.
a clue at the entry
monastic corridor
resort terrace
the ‘keep’ café
exploded axo — characters
ground floor plan
first floor plan — terrace
front elevation
cross section
sectional details
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edited by: hollie smith | designboom
