Building in Ostia type A
Adalberto Libera – Villini of the Tirrena Society – Villa type A, Ostia-Rome Italy, 1932-1934
The three-storey cottage defined as villas type ‘A’ is characterised by a modern, minimalist design. The building is conceived with a rectangular floor plan that develops vertically into a parallelepiped volume. This rigorous form is interrupted by a few distinctive elements:
Large rectangular windows: distributed on the first two levels, these openings visually expand the interior spaces and allow plenty of natural light to enter.
Deep loggia: located on the penthouse, this open but covered space creates an interesting volumetric variation and offers a private outdoor area.
Curved balconies: these elements are integrated into the corners of the building, creating an effect of continuity between inside and outside. Their curved shape contrasts with the rigidity of the dominant straight lines.
Staircase body with curved termination: located at the rear of the building, the staircase body is distinguished by its curved shape, which breaks the linearity of the building. Its surface is further enhanced by vertical fenestration, which lightens its mass and introduces an additional design element.
These architectural details demonstrate a balance between rigid and curved geometries, creating an interesting visual effect.