Tuscan Villa
The clients had a love for all things Tuscan... and visited Italy as often as they possibly could. They had purchased a seventy acre tract many years prior in hopes of one day building their dream villa. Finding a architect that was versed in "Tuscan Design" proved to be difficult. Prior to engaging our firm, the clients had a frustrating experience with another architect whose plans were unfortunately cast to the "dust bin". After extensive research into the various building styles of Tuscany, a plan emerged creating an unified blending of "old world" design using native materials.
Perched on a knoll, the house features a central clear story living space that takes advantage of prevailing breezes. Cooling the home during the hot southern summers with cross ventilating french doors and eighteen foot high ceilings. The villa's purpose was not only comfortable indoor spaces, but outdoor as well. The clients loved to entertain and following the edicts of Northern Italy, the home features a second kitchen on the side piazza with a large area for al fresco dining. Both a second floor and rear first floor arched piazza affords sweeping views of the lake below. Costs were reduced by using native bricks and a light mortar to imitate the handmade look of many of the 18th century dwellings found in Tuscany. The roof is actually a coated metal molded to appear like individual clay tiles, but without the cost and additional weight to the building's structure. A two story carriage house with guest apartment gave the clients' additional living space and is connected to the main house by a covered loggia. The house is approached by a winding gravel path opening to the motor court and when the landscaping has matured, one will find themselves transported to Italy upon arrival.
Perched on a knoll, the house features a central clear story living space that takes advantage of prevailing breezes. Cooling the home during the hot southern summers with cross ventilating french doors and eighteen foot high ceilings. The villa's purpose was not only comfortable indoor spaces, but outdoor as well. The clients loved to entertain and following the edicts of Northern Italy, the home features a second kitchen on the side piazza with a large area for al fresco dining. Both a second floor and rear first floor arched piazza affords sweeping views of the lake below. Costs were reduced by using native bricks and a light mortar to imitate the handmade look of many of the 18th century dwellings found in Tuscany. The roof is actually a coated metal molded to appear like individual clay tiles, but without the cost and additional weight to the building's structure. A two story carriage house with guest apartment gave the clients' additional living space and is connected to the main house by a covered loggia. The house is approached by a winding gravel path opening to the motor court and when the landscaping has matured, one will find themselves transported to Italy upon arrival.
