Overlooking a forested Umbrian Valley is House Cicaleto, a renovation of a 12th-century watchtower which was extended and reformed over time, a palimpsest of users, functions, and meaning, to create a dwelling set among the rolling olive groves.
Project Name: House in Italy
Studio Name: Nico Van Der Meulen Architects
Interior design: MSquare Lifestyle Design:
Engineer/ Project manager: Ing. Dr. Giovanni Selli , Cannara
Builder: Possanzini Construction, Deruta
Steelwork: Eurofer, Tavernelle
Pool: Piscine Aqua Sport | Possanzini Construction.
Carpentry: Luciano Mondini, Tavernelle
Sculpture: Regardt van der Meulen www.regardtvandermeulen.com
Due to the sensitivity of both the position (within 700m from Roman ruins, and 10km from Assisi) and the age of the structure, the approval and planning commission process lasted nearly three years, with understandably firm and curated conditions applied by the authorities in executing the proposal.
Additions were allowed, albeit the bare minimum. This offered the opportunity to create a light and open connection between the two existing buildings, which would encapsulate a portion of the new kitchen, leading out to the addition of a lanai and triple rim flow swimming pool. These additions are sensitive and mindful of the layered histories of the context.
The kitchen/access link is a simple contemporary, flat roof structure combined with a glass roof. A steel staircase was inserted into this void, creating a physical relation between the ground floor living areas and the first floor where the main suite, study, and painter’s studio are located. This transparent void becomes a critical nexus within the altered home.
The original watchtower – turned farming dwelling – was quite traditional in its functionality and purpose, typically regional in its understanding of farming requirements in rural Italy. Stables and other farming facilities were located on the ground floor, along with hay storage located on a mezzanine level, while living quarters were located on the upper level. The new alterations and additions are mindful of these pre-existing processes and are thus programmed in a similar fashion.
The fabric and texture of the home is distinctly contextual and biographical. Stone, as the primary material for construction and finishing, needed to be enhanced and celebrated. The existing stonework was meticulously re-established both on the exterior and interior of the home.
All new stone used for finishing/structural work was found within the immediate context, establishing the sense of place. Timber trusses and beams were repurposed and recycled (some of these date back centuries).
The interior of the house offers a subtle, warm, and somewhat eclectic palate. The predominant base of stone is offset and enhanced with light shades of wood, black steel, and raw concrete.
The contemporary furniture and fittings were sourced from International brands such as B&B Italia, Molteni & C, Ciacci,Kristalia, Magis, Gloster, Fantoni, Lightyears, Rexa, and the kitchen fittings by Spanish company Doca.
Lightly toned resin flooring provides a subtle base with off-shutter concrete, rough sawn hardwood, and restored oak beams become the palate of rich ceilings throughout the house. Doors were manufactured from recycled oak beams, detailed with steel handles.
The new sophisticated steel fireplace with steel chimney breast was crafted specifically for this space, while the staircase was covered in lacquered hot rolled steel sheets by local craftsmen. The quality of steelwork executed is on par with the work stonemasons conducted on the project. This material and quality of work is evident throughout the interior, in the guest toilet, and main bathroom.
The dining room is graced by a Regardt van der Meulen sculpture titled “Weathered” – it is quite apt in its placement and meaning by being present in a house that has undergone some weathering before being re-established as a beautiful work of art.
The kitchen across the glass link is directly connected to the lanai and the raised swimming pool with expansive views over the Umbrian valleys.
In the main bedroom, dressing, and bathroom, a historic brick arch divides the new dressing room and main bathroom where a mix of high-end fittings, black steel, and recycled wood was used against the old stone walls.
As with the existing house, this project is an exercise in respect, patience, and the understanding of place and history, while imparting carefully considered new work into and between existing work, creating a new sense of place through the legacy of the old. The home represents a unique amalgamated character, richly veined with history and novelty, becoming a beautifully and well-considered home in the Umbrian countryside.
