Surrounded by a large private garden in a small area of Ferrara, Villa Osti is a private residence of over 273 square meters, over three floors which has been designed entirely by Studio Apostoli. The building is defined by pure geometric volumes which interconnect on different levels - with an interplay of solids and voids - and is characterized by contrasting colors based on natural tones for maximum integration with the surrounding landscape. The different heights of the built elements are further delineated by a thin black metal band running along the entire upper profile of the villa, highlighting the pergola, the external shading structures, and the window and door frames. The design culminates with the infinity pool, designed as a natural continuation of the building and which speaks to the project’s intricacy, taking cues from the buildings materials, proportions, and pure forms.

The concept of intersection and permeability of volumes is also found in the relationship between interior and exterior in direct connection with each other, thanks to the large glass panels that define the facades. Another example of this search for a link with the outdoors is the large internal staircase that offers a visual 'promenade' over the Zen-inspired garden. The garden is the heart of the courtyard on the side opposite the entrance, featuring white pebbles that alternate with a geometric constellation of green elements. The staircase - a dramatic structure linking the various floors and the fulcrum of the interior design project - provides access to the sleeping area on the first floor. The main bathroom and three bedrooms, two of which are single, overlook a large sun terrace on the west side of the complex. The ground floor visually demarcates the living area from the open kitchen located in the front and an open space with a central fireplace. In addition, a guest bedroom, service areas, and a study overlooking the pool are found on ground level. The interior reflects the natural tones of the building's exterior, with light oak parquet flooring that echoes the finish of the terrace, poolside, and main entrance façade on the ground floor. Finally, the specific lighting in the niches and hallways is in harmony with the natural light coming through the large windows on both levels.

Careful integration with the landscape is not only an aesthetic choice but becomes a design intention in all respects. 'Villa Osti' falls into the NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) category of high energy efficiency and is built according to the principles of sustainable and bioclimatic design. The residence's large windows and porticoes not only enhance the profound relationship with the outdoor landscape but have also been designed to optimize winter sunlight and summer shade. Highly solar reflective materials on the roof, protective roller blinds, and opaque vertical closures which properly delineate the building from the outside all regulate heat exchange and moisture flows. There is also a high-performance (photovoltaic) solar panel system, defined by an Energy Performance Index and managed by a BACS (Building Automation and Control Systems) automation system, which optimizes the overall consumption of the systems by making the most of electricity production from renewable sources. The same system allows control of the temperature and humidity levels in each room, and is combined with a home automation system that allows control of the Villa's entire system via an App, also regulating lighting systems, curtains and alarms. 

Alberto Apostoli says of the project: "Integrating architecture and wellness in a residential context always requires two fundamental elements: sustainability and a relationship with the outside world. In this case, both the client and I immediately agreed on this shared vision. The result is an architecture that is simple but rich in elements, transforming the Villa into a place where you can feel good with your family, amidst inspiring and intimate views".

Project name: Villa Osti

Location: Aguscello (Ferrara)

Year of completion: 2021

Total surface area: 272.6 sqm - on three floors above ground

Energy class: NZEB

Architect: Alberto Apostoli, Studio Apostoli

Plant design: Studio Tecnico Bertolini Faccioni.

Home automation system: KNX system

Photovoltaic system: Hanwha Q.PEAK DUO-G5

Photo credit: Luca Casonato

Materials used:

- Villa: prefabricated structure in mixed hardwood and steel (X-LAM).

- Façade: stone (eastern and northern front), wood-effect stoneware/tiles (southern front – ground floor) and plaster.

- External walkway: stone effect tiles.

- Pool path and first floor terrace: wood-effect stoneware/tiles.

- Driveway access: porphyry.

- Sloping roof: ventilated roof with galvanised sheet metal cladding.         

Fixtures:

- Sliding (living room and terraces).

- Fixed (north side facade and some light cuts on other sides of the facade).

- Casement / Hinged