Casa CS by Moramarco+Ventrella Architetti

Amongst the decorated and traditional Italian street-scape lies this quirky restoration project by Moramarco+Ventrella Architetti, who have transformed what was previously a mixed use structure into a home. Casa CS sits proudly on a corner plot in the Southern Province of Bitritto and despite its confident and solid appearance, the house is all about internal light and thoughtful quality of space. The building simultaneously demonstrates boundless character alongside a seemingly effortless, minimalist approach – something altogether not easy to achieve.

Pierpaolo Moramarco and Stella Ventrella joined forces in 2002, forming their practice in 2007. Much of their work is based in Italy but they also have undertaken work elsewhere in Europe. They have grown to cover a number of project scales and building typologies, always incorporating their distinct style of a refined palette and clean lines. Casa CS creates an impressively elegant exterior, and a project that seems to best showcase the Architects work. Almost purely white, the monolithic block sits proudly and offers inhabitants both privacy and optional selected views out to the world beyond its solid walls. Windows protrude and jut out over the street through the flush elevation in a playful manner, with sliding shutters introducing a softer timber tone and texture to the façade.

The house has a smart and efficient floor plan with living to the ground, sleeping areas to the first floor level and a small studio to the roof deck. Upon entering the building, visitors are greeted with a feature steel and timber staircase that floats clear from the walls, as if a sculptural element in the void. This light element replaces the previously heavy concrete structure and allows light to flood all levels from the large window above, with the all-white internal walls further reflecting the natural illumination.

The ground floor accommodation was raised slightly to define the entrance zone, whilst the gravel and stepping stone floor treatment plays on the concept of a welcoming courtyard. The interior finishes reflect that of the exterior, being kept to a limited selection and instead focusing on a beautiful simplicity of detailing.

As a continuation of the ‘internal garden’ theme, the sun soaked south elevation includes a shading Brise-Soleil which encloses a small courtyard adjacent to the living and dining areas. This is a thoughtful response to the plot, being one where all external areas need to be accommodated within the building envelope, providing a successful balance of openness vs privacy. The top level studio opens out on to its own balcony space, which again has the option to close fully with large timber shutters, conversely the rooftop is predominantly an external experience with vistas out to the surrounding context.

Moramarco+Ventrella have created a form that is a stark contrast to its neighbours but creates an inspiring addition to the street. For those lucky enough to live in the property, they have the pleasure of residing in a timeless environment that has carefully considered how it visually connects with the outside. For the rest of us, we can only look on in envy. One thing is for sure: less is, most definitely, more.