alessandro isola's family home redefines the conventional uses of common dwellings

a hybrid of different activities

alessandro isola has transformed an old country family house in italy into a flexible space where multifunctional services respond to daily life’s requirements. ‘family home’ is a mixture of different activities that redefine the conventional uses of a common dwelling. going through a challenging era, this project is designed to transform and adapt to ever-changing needs. the overall design consists of an architectural rear extension, as well as the revitalization of all the interior and outdoor spaces.

the main space, on the ground floor, is a mixture of functions

all images by thomas pagani

communication and interaction as the core of the project

the project’s key element is ‘communication’ and as the architects described it ‘is exchanged in a split second’.  the main space, on the ground floor, is a mixture of functions, inviting the family members to interact and spend some quality time together. the television is no longer the focus of the living room, and the kitchen becomes not only a place where they eat but also a place where one can work, socialize and study. this concept is enhanced with a three-meter-long timber table cantilevered from the kitchen island that appears to float, becoming an integral part of the cooking area. 

indoor and outdoor pivoting panels as well as indoor sliding screens allow space reconfiguration and trigger different ways of inhabiting spaces. furthermore, a 14-meter long double-height oak timber wall (from certified forest) incorporates different functions: staircase balustrade, mezzanine balustrade, display unit, hidden storage, hidden pivoting door, and hidden kitchen area to serve as a support to the main kitchen island. unexpected moments are also part of the project, like the ‘peeling off’ of the wall to create the fireplace at mezzanine levels.

a journey through various materials and textures

almost everything is done through local independent craftsmen, that over generations have perfected a particular craft technique. this bygone artisan know-how and timeless quality is sensitively paired with advancements in technology. for example, the steam room area and the bathroom are encapsulated inside a metal cube. a parametric design perforation made by a CNC machine allows controlling the visual permeability between spaces and the natural lights filtrating through. natural materials such as timber and porfido stone rough cut or split cut, travertine and orsera stones, and metal complete the interior, adding an elegant touch, while the way they were treated brings out their inner beauty.

14 meter long wall in oak timber from certified forest incorporates different functions

10-meter-long kitchen island. the 4-meter-long table is cantilevered from the kitchen island with no extra support

fireplace: the wall peel off to form the flue of the fireplace. vertical and horizontal skylight accentuate the junction between old and new built

metal pivoting panels to allow to control the view between outdoor zones

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the metal surfaces are perforated in order to control the visual permeability

a standalone metal cube incorporates the steam room and bathroom

sliding door separation. all the spaces are subdivided through over dimension sliding doors in order to control the level of privacy wanted in a specific moment

pivoting panels allow various special configurations — for example turning the TV room into playground for kids

project info:

name: family home
designer: alessandro isola

location: italy 

photography by: homas pagani | @thomaspagani

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina petridou | designboom