3.1.1VILLAMOSCABIANCA

Villa Mosca Bianca, a holiday residence in Lesa, Italy, capitalizes on its close proximity to a lake in its design, which begins to emphasize nature in a multitude of ways. First, the stacking terraces allow for a visual connection to the surrounding landscape and water at all levels of the home. The unusual shape of the building is created with the intention of giving each bedroom views of the various environments of the surroundings, which range from pine forest to water’s edge. Additionally, a central garden courtyard is included to create a visual connection to nature, open up and brighten the interior layout of the space, and act as a passive central ventilation system. This courtyard and the substantial spans of windows in the design allow for daylighting in the space, reducing the need for artificial lighting and allowing for a strengthening of the relationship to the natural landscape. Unpolished and unsealed natural travertine stone is used prominently on the interiors, with its rough finish creating contrast within the minimal, clean house, but also creating a link back to the natural environment of the region. 98 Elements of biophilic design can be seen clearly in this home through the emphasis on the visual connection to the nearby water and surrounding landscape and with the incorporation of natural ventilation, daylighting strategies, and the use of travertine stone as a natural finish material.