Allina and Matteo Corbellini have designed Villa Clea, a private living space, studio, and gallery that emerges as a solitary structure, a solid monolith amidst the bustling Milanese buildings that form a captivating stage set. With grace and elegance, it takes the place of a forgotten car workshop, breathing new life into the surroundings.
Villa Clea is constructed using a singular blend of cement and clay, which serves as the foundation, insulation for both thermal and acoustic purposes, and cladding. The walls, ceiling, and floor are meticulously treated utilizing a range of lime glazes. The space exudes a raw and unrefined quality, yet remains cohesive in its continuity, while also retaining a tactile quality through the imperfect repetition of the gestures that refine the material in its physical reality.
This heterogeneity within the homogeneity amplifies the perception and adds a human and authentic dimension to the architecture, allowing it to remain whole while also making its individual parts observable. The surfaces bear witness to their craftsmanship through their imperfections. A wood-burning fireplace connects the space to the ancestral essence of the hearth, while natural light from the sliding windows and specific skylights imbue the space with varying nuances and hues throughout the day.
The concept of spatial fluidity in Villa Clea is exemplified through the presence of three separate lofts that can be combined to create a cohesive sensory journey. The use of concrete as the primary architectural material creates a tangible contrast to the flowing luminous curtains and the incorporation of fully mirrored doors. Additionally, the transformation of an old industrial oven into a garden has resulted in the creation of a Mediterranean micro-forest, while the flat roof embraces the rustic charm of a wild meadow.
The essence of Villa Clea lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate spatial elements with sensorial clarity. The studio has envisioned an interior setting that functions as an atmospheric installation, adapting to various ways of inhabiting the spaces. Each element within the villa has been meticulously designed to harmonize with the overall tactile and sensory experience. The selection of materials, such as raw aluminium for furniture and raw cotton for mattresses and sofas, has been carefully chosen to complement the lime and clay mixture that forms the foundation of the house.
Villa Clea presents itself as a contemporary living system that caters to the multifaceted aspects of modern life, encompassing the roles of home, workplace, exhibition space, and meeting place. The fluidity of the spaces within the villa reflects the versatility of life in the present moment, while also reconnecting individuals to a timeless existential experience.