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Living Via Viewing

Yiwei Shi, Nuo Xu
China

In the essence of life, stripped of all superfluous elements, the innate power of existence reclaims its dominion through a profound communion with nature. Just as nature asserts its authenticity, architecture too finds its autonomy when extraneous embellishments are relinquished, allowing it to organically evolve within the intricate interplay between site dynamics and functional requisites. Emanating this harmonious equilibrium is a singular familial abode, nestled in the vicinity of Levico Terme in the captivating reaches of Northern Italy.

Within the walls of this dwelling, the sanctity of individuality is revered, as each of the three family members finds solace in their dedicated spaces, each granting unobstructed vistas that encompass the regal expanse of the mountain, the serene embrace of the lake, or the quaint charm of the nearby town. A panoramic horizontal window gracefully adorns the culinary haven of Mr. Smith, affording him glimpses of nature's grandeur even amidst the fervor of culinary creation. For Mrs. Smith, her studio becomes an artistic sanctum, where a rectangular window delicately frames the external landscape, an ever-changing tableau that kindles the fires of her creative genius.

At the heart of this dwelling, a double-height garden unfurls – a chair and rug with open spaces dedicated to meditation, convivial gatherings, and an intimate rendezvous with the natural world, all in close proximity. The architecture, bereft of excessive partitions, renders the essence of familial presence palpable, allowing the parents to nurture their daughter while simultaneously orchestrating culinary masterpieces or embarking on artistic odysseys. Walls, conceived through the prism of minimalism, cease to impose confinements but rather conduct functions in tandem with furniture, guiding the flow of life within.

The upstairs realm is an ode to parental serenity, with the master bedroom reigning supreme. A double-height garden sanctuary lies ensconced within, while a verdant haven crowns the roof.

The upstairs realm is an ode to parental serenity, with the master bedroom reigning supreme. A double-height garden sanctuary lies ensconced within, while a verdant haven crowns the roof, effectively accentuating the very essence of views across diverse scales. Amidst its contemporary minimalism, the house remains intrinsically rooted in its cultural context, a testament to the entwined dance of human creation and the environment. Nestled against a sylvan backdrop, the house seamlessly integrates elements harvested from its milieu-wood, stone, and flora merge to dissolve the demarcations between inner abode and the embrace of nature's canvas.

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