RA House Villino in Rome explores spatial layering and material integration

RA House Villino, a residential project by Studiotamat, is located in Rome and explores the relationship between the old and new in architecture. The design reacts to the urban context and at the same time forms a series of layered interior and exterior spaces that make the perception of space more vivid.

Context and Site

The project comes within a dense city area where the classical Roman house types are the most common forms of habitation. The architects contemplated the site with regard to the historical context as well as the possibility of modern adaptation. By keeping some parts of the old building, the new design supports the idea of a dialogue between the old and the new urban layers.

Design Approach

The RA House Villino tactically arranges the spaces in terms of verticality and horizontality in order to strike a balance between seclusion and socializing. Public functions like living and dining are carefully positioned to enjoy the maximum amount of natural light and visual connection to the courtyard, while private rooms are placed on the upper floors, directing toward the sky to receive sunlight and gain views of the surrounding city.

The architects have a very specific use of materials, and the sensitive combination of concrete, wood, and stone creates a clear display of textures and the integrity of the structure at the same time. Each material plays both its functional and its aesthetic roles, thus making it possible for the inside and the outside to interact without any barriers.

Architectural Concepts and Spatial Logic

The project highlights spatial layering, where the interior volumes are connected through voids as well as double-height spaces. This method not only leads to a better feeling of openness but also provides natural ventilation and light coming in. The pathway of circulation has been meticulously planned, leading the inhabitants through a series of interrelated spaces that show the house from various angles.

The vertical and horizontal alignments establish visual links between the courtyard, the upper terraces, and the living areas, thus making the exploration of the space intuitive. Also, noise insulation and function zoning is accounted for in the design, so that the public and private activities can be carried out alongside each other without any disturbance.

Innovative and Architectural Contribution

RA House Villino acts as a case study for the merging of new architectural features with the old ones. The project shows the architects and designers that it is necessary to grasp the historical and social context of a site beforehand, if the complacency of contemporary tectonics is to be avoided in the future. The careful choice of materials, respect for spatial hierarchy, and incorporation of nature’s gifts have all together worked towards making a sustainable and contextually-sensitive residential-type housing.

The project not only adds to the architectural discourse but also shows how vertically and horizontally a tiny urban plot could be changed into a layered experience that is truly subtle. This kind of structuring of spaces has given architects the license to deal with the interplay of light, material, and spatial organization in congested urban areas.

Materials and Construction

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STUDIOTAMAT’s RA House illustrates how delicate changes in small historic structures can cope with modern spatial requirements while at the same time preserving the heritage. The project showcases the careful combination of the features of the Liberty period, like stained glass and facade decorative motifs, together with modern features such as steel framing, reflective surfaces, and structural glass floors. The renovation not only successful creates a cozy, multi-level home that boosts the spatial quality but also teaches a lot more about adaptive reuse: how the combination of proper material selection, spatial reprogramming, and layered visual strategies can permit small historic villas to serve the needs of today’s living efficiently without losing their identity and narrative continuity.

Conclusion

RA House Villino illustrates an astute dialogue between the past and the present in architecture. The project not only layers the spaces but also thinks about material integration and urban context as its main approach; thus, it gets the functional and experiential needs of residential architecture and provides a plan at the same time. Besides, it points out the role of context in the design process and the power of small projects to use research and analysis as a tool for architectural discourse in the future.

The photography is by Serena Eller/Ellerstudio.

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