FLEXFORM furnishes in- & open-air rooms of farmhouse in piacenza, italy

italian furniture brand FLEXFORM furnishes both the inside and outside of a contemporary farmhouse retreat in the val tidone hills of piacenza, italy. the home becomes a weekend getaway for a milan-based couple and their dogs, accommodating up to 10 people when friends come to stay. the owner’s interest in biodynamic farming explains the garden filled with home-grown produce. in fact, the whole design is focused on ecology and sustainability, from location to material choices and longevity of their furnishings. FLEXFORM’s outdoor and indoor collections help define its modern character throughout.

all images courtesy of FLEXFORM

after an extensive search for a rustic farmhouse, the couple built their own thanks to the work of dutch architect geert koster. the contemporary concept reinterprets the country stables with clear references to the vernacular architecture of the rural area. the home’s orientation on the plot is optimized for solar exposure. its choice of materials continue this focus on outstanding insulating capability, including geothermal heating and air conditioning. it is clad entirely in kild-dried vertical natural larch tongue-and-groove siding that weathers to a silver-grey color over time. facades, windows and doors are set perfectly flush to look sleek, minimalist and virtually invisible when closed.

desiring to maximize use of the countryside setting, FLEXFORM helps create open-air rooms for the piacenza farmhouse. their furnishings harmoniously fit the outdoor living idea for year-round enjoyment. here, the ansel sofa, designed by antonio citterio, unexpectedly combines different materials, from sleek stainless steel on the base to sophisticated fabric upholstered on the body and bold arm and backrests made of iroko wood slats. the setting is accompanied with the visually light pico coffee and side tables. the tessa outdoor armchair by citterio distinguishes the owner’s favorite spot for endless hours of outdoor reading. its simple silhouette reveals the bare construction details of its joinery and finely woven seat at closer glance.

conveniently located close to the kitchen for dining on the back courtyard, the pico outdoor dining table continues to resemble the same visual lightness of its coffee and side table editions but in a large presence. its distinct, dynamic cast aluminum legs support a slim top surface, available in marble or wood veneers. echoes outdoor dining chairs, designed by christophe pillet, look out across the west side of the home to watch the sun set. it reflects seemingly contrasting cultures – mediterranean and scandinavian – but accentuates the shared similarities of rustic, delicate and timeless characters. bold materials, from a sleek metal structure to finely woven paper or paper rush cord seat and backrest, once again highlight traditional methods used in the modern pieces.

FLEXFORM’s interior collection further maximizes the piacenza farmhouse’s connection to the outdoors. however, the designs do add an air of warmth and relaxation inside. the heart of the home is its large wood-panelled kitchen. the table is made for entertaining, with guests comfortably seated on first steps chairs designed by pillet. their discreet metal structure and backrest lay emphasis on the hand-crafted seat and backrest, which are made from paper cord or paper rush.

in the living room, the citterio-designed asolo sofa forms a generous, comfortable yet well-balanced soft seating island for the occupants. its organically curvered corners and cluster of cushions sit atop a streamlined metal base. then the minimalist any day coffee table designed by pillet, highly versatile bangkok ottoman, and the elegant gatsby armchair designed by citterio complete the family space. placed near the large windows with views overlooking the valley, the tris side table pairs practicality with beauty. its simple X-shaped structure, made from canaletto walnut or ash wood legs, reveal soft and bevelled touches at a close look.