Greenbox by Act Romegialli // Italy.

Is it just me or does this look like the kind of place where unicorns and Snow White would hang out? This outdoor dining pavilion is full of romance and fairytale whimsy. It suggests a history of slowly creeping vines which, over many years and many passing seasons, have eventually swallowed the building whole.

As it turns out, this pavilion was commenced and completed within a year by designers, Act Romegialli alongside landscaper, Gheo Clavarino. Other than the original stone walled structure which is buried somewhere within, the steel framework (including the gable roof)  and the greenery are recent additions. The planting was selected to effectively act as beams and purlins, ensuring maximum wall coverage. Other than the visual impact, the planting provides insulation for the building.

There is a part of me that feels inspired by the deep sense of place achieved by the designers. At first glance, it made my heart swell. Yet I must admit, some of the magic is lost for me, knowing that this seemingly incidental gem did not actually grow naturally out of the earth, as it appears. I was actually drafted up in CAD and knocked up relatively quickly. And that wayward greenery? Completely calculated.

Oh well. Despite a slight case of smoke and mirrors, it doesn’t fail to be enchanting.

–Ella.

Original structure.

[Photography by Marcello Mariana. Images via designboom.]