Villa Rivo nestles amidst the gentle hills of Le Marche, close to the medieval village of Montottone (FM).

The architects were struck by the seasonal changes of the surrounding lands, which vary from the lush green of spring to the golden hues of summer, before transforming into the autumnal landscape. They therefore chose to create large panoramic windows in the bedrooms to frame the views, and to create a strong bond between the indoor and outdoor environments.

Subject to strict local building restrictions regarding anti-seismic and aesthetic norms, the villa occupies the same ground area and volume as the old barn, pigsty and cattle shed which, together with the nearby 19th century farmhouse (now the owners’ private family residence) were operative until the 80’s.

To preserve the contrast between the two buildings, it was decided to clad Villa Rivo with grey-blue thermal insulation inspired by the original colours that still survive on the wood-fired outdoor oven. Flexibility has been a key consideration throughout the design process, aimed at satisfying the functional requirements to create a space for accommodating groups of up to 10 people, both as a holiday villa and as a place in which to conduct yoga retreats and wellness workshops.

The villa also houses the Asian art and antique collections belonging to the owners.