Aprile Maggio - Gruppo Torsanlorenzo

GIARDINI E PARCHI PRIVATI
urbani e suburbani
57
Realization: 2002 - 2003
New buildings - including six urban villas and three residential buildings - were developed on a former
mansion site among an old population of trees, consisting of larches (Larix decidua), chestnuts
(Aesculus hippocastanum), hornbeams (Carpinus betulus) and oaks (Quercus robur). A sensible redensification
was achieved by the new design of the area, starting in June 2001, without loosing the parklike
character of the open space.
The three residential buildings are linked with a wall, forming a block against the main street on the
southwest border, in order to protect the park and the villas against the traffic noise. Whereas the design
of the street adjoining fronts is closed and somewhat cubic, the facades towards the park open up with
balconies and terraces, interweaving the buildings with the open space. The different materials used for
the facades form another contrast – while the street fronts are build of anthrazit clincer the garden fronts
have a white plastering. To reduce the noise disturbance in the street adjacent houses, only secundary
rooms like kitchens and bathrooms are situated towards the
street, while the living spaces and bedrooms are located on
the garden side.
Groups of old trees between the free standing villas in the
park emphasise the pituresque character of the location. New
plantings - with the same species as the existing ones - complete
the park-like structure. Springtime geophyts (Crocus
tommasinianus) endured the construction period without damage,
now delighting the residents every year while blooming.
Furthermore they remind of the previous manorial garden.
In the clearings drifts of ornamental grasses flow through
open meadows, structuring the areas between the buildings.
The grass species (mainly Miscanthus sinensis ‚Gracillimus’,
together with Melica ciliata and Calamagrostis acutiflora
‚Overdam’) were chosen for their all-season effect, their orderly
but graceful appearance and for their low care need. In
addition summer flowering perennials (Knautia macedonica,
Scabiosa caucasica ‚Perfecta’) are accompanying the grasses,
creating another aspect with their floating flowerheads.
In support of the generous park-site no private green was
established, as well as the whole estate is car-free. The walkways
are organised in a linear pattern. Large balconies serve
as private open spaces and the residents have the possibility
to park their cars underground.
Pergolas made of a light steel construction covered with
wooden lamellae are offering sheltered and shady sitting
accomodations. In collaboration with an artist, known for his
wooden objects, two playgrounds were developed. Large
wooden bars, anchored with metal shoes, are forming an
impressive framework, excellent for children to climb on.
S
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NTERNAZIONALE TORSANLORENZO” 2006
“PREMIO
I NTERNAZIONALE
” 2006