An Ode to Nature and Memory in Ajaccio, France
Project: Casa Santa Teresa
Status: Designed in 2020
Designer: Amelia Tavella
Location: Ajaccio, France
Photography by: Thibaut Dini
Situated on the picturesque Route des Sanguinaires in Ajaccio, France, Casa Santa Teresa is a stunning architectural feat by Amelia Tavella Architectes. This 400 m² residence, completed in 2020, blends design and nature with its Mediterranean surroundings. The project, led by the acclaimed architect Amelia Tavella, showcases a profound respect for the past while embracing contemporary aesthetics. Renowned manufacturers such as JUNG, Terreal, Saint-Gobain, DESIGN PARQUET, Marius Aurenti, and Nemetschek contributed to this project, ensuring top-tier quality and craftsmanship.
Amelia Tavella, recently honored by the first Corsican Architecture Awards, imbued Casa Santa Teresa with a sense of nostalgia and reverence for its historical context. The house, originally from the 1950s, was reimagined without erasing its inherent spirit. Tavella’s philosophy centers on the memory of walls and the stories they tell, creating a space that echoes the joyous moments of the past. The residence embodies the essence of a seaside retreat, celebrating nature, beauty, and tranquility.
One of the most striking features of Casa Santa Teresa is its harmonious integration with the natural environment. The white facade of the building stands in stark contrast to the vibrant Mediterranean backdrop, creating a visual dialogue between the man-made and the natural. Tavella’s design includes pivoting doors, striped shutters, and frame doors that allow light to filter through, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. The use of rope railings and wooden staircases further enhances the organic feel, making nature an intrinsic part of the architectural experience.
The seamless flow between the interior and exterior spaces is a hallmark of Casa Santa Teresa. The vast living room, adorned with secret alcoves and a cozy fireplace, extends to upper rooms connected by a wooden staircase. Outside, a slab path descends towards the beach, offering a direct connection to the sea. The terrace and swimming pool, surrounded by lush plants and flowers, provide a serene escape, embodying the quintessential vacation home that Tavella envisioned from her childhood memories.
The material palette of Casa Santa Teresa is carefully curated to enhance its naturalistic and nostalgic charm. The smooth white facade is complemented by the use of natural woods, ropes, and carefully chosen textiles. The color scheme is predominantly neutral, with whites and earthy tones dominating, allowing the vibrant colors of the surrounding flora and the azure Mediterranean to take center stage. This understated elegance creates a timeless aesthetic that is both modern and rooted in tradition.
Casa Santa Teresa is more than just a house; it is a celebration of life, nature, and architectural heritage. Amelia Tavella’s design philosophy, which prioritizes inclusion and respect for the natural environment, is beautifully realized in this project. The house stands as a testament to the idea that modern architecture can coexist with, and even enhance, the natural landscape. It is a place where memories are preserved, and new ones are created, a true sanctuary by the sea.
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