anciently modern

Architects, Italy-based GGA Gardini Gibertini Architetti have created an elegant single-family home that reflects the surrounding area’s medieval and renaissance history .The ‘AP House’ is situated on a high hill on an ancient village site located in the walled city of Urbino in Italy’s Marche.

Instead of creating one massive structure, the architects opted to use the language and scale of the local historical residences and built three separate parts on a monolithic red concrete platform. The main entrance, through an underground garage, leads to a gallery and cinema. The gym and spa are located in the wood-frame annex with the stairs leading to the central building.  Simplicity and strong materials dominate the living areas with concrete floors throughout, and walnut furnishings.

The third building is located in the garden on a man-made hill with space for the BBQ area and room for gardening equipment in the basement. The home is decidedly new and modern but the scale and clever positioning of its three parts, and the use of local stone and wood help it earn its place in the ancient landscape.