JM HOUSE by Tommaso Monutti

Transparency and matter, fullness and emptiness, nature and urbanity become architecture in architect Tommaso Monutti's project for JM House, in the setting of the Croatian town... of Opatija: a design made up of antithetical suggestions that dialogue harmoniously, based on the idea of creating a visual pivot between the infinite horizon of the Adriatic Sea, with its coastline, and the historic centre of the Istrian village, respectively in front of and behind the villa. The simple, contemporary volume synthesises the conceptual themes and registers the slope of the site, which dominates the Kvarner Gulf from above, while it is enriched with references to the nautical world, the client's professional field of reference. The envelope is white, rigorous, with strong horizontal signs on the main front: a terrace on the first level, with a swimming pool, projects forward, accompanied by the flat roof, marked by a rhythm of functional openings to filter light and illuminate the pool. Interruptions are created by a number of vertical luminous bands around the perimeter of the house: they indicate its structure and also return in the interiors, based on a prevalence of teak to support the reference to boats desired by the owners. Flooring and boiserie, as well as furnishings, are made of this wood essence, alternating with travertine surfaces, portions of white plaster and black details: a mat eric palette that entirely traces the interior of the two floors of the home - also designed by Tommaso Monutti -, and defines living and sleeping areas, wardrobes and study and service areas. Consistent with the design matrix, the master bathroom echoes the choice of colours and finishes. It is a large and long space, where the purity of forms is confirmed by the Saturn radiator by Antrax IT, in matt black. Designed by Peter Rankin, it is circular and compact, with a diameter of 73 cm, and is constructed from 100% recyclable cast aluminium, worked with a three-dimensional effect: the radiant surface has a soft curvature that increases heat output and conceals the connections, while the wall-fixing system allows the radiator to be lifted for inspection. Accompanied by a towel holder handle, Saturn is installed in JM House on a concrete-effect wall that flanks the large freestanding bathtub and also serves the washbasin area, on the wall, becoming a functional and aesthetic object, perfectly coordinated with the villa's architecture.