rassenhaus II, the allure of the wide open space
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https://poeticwalls.com/en/properties/Terassenhaus-2

Via Costamante, your new address
In the oldest part of Castellammare del Golfo, just around the corner from the sea, we enter Via Costamante, lined with three- to four-story houses built side by side. The intimate atmosphere makes us lower our voices. Inhabited year-round by people and cats alike, the alley is a place of encounters. Vacations are taken elsewhere; here, life and work go on. As a non-resident, one is automatically integrated. A good feeling.
https://poeticwalls.com/en/properties/Via_Costamante

The first 10 seconds in the apartment
I enter the lofty entry hall. Open, floating cubes, linked by a narrow ascent—my eyes are unable to find a point of rest. What a brilliant opening move by the architects. Salvation comes in the form of a familiar shape: the Box Chair by Enzo Mari for Castelli (1976). A blitz: “This apartamento was built for a chair by Enzo Mari.”
https://poeticwalls.com/en/properties/Via_Costamante

Transformative, indeed
The old house underwent a radical intervention for its new use as a holiday apartment. No surprise, if one knows the uncompromising stance of these architects. The original structure consisted of three cubes, differing in height and volume. They were opened up so that one narrow connecting passage now accesses all spheres of the apartment.

To create this spatial continuum, the existing staircases were exposed, and all adjoining rooms—except for the two bedrooms—were integrated into the continuous space through new openings. Reinforcements were necessary, and steel beams now support walls and columns. At the end of the spiral-like path, a large window leads to the roof terrace, from which, thanks to a modification of the existing roof, one now enjoys an unobstructed view of the sea.
https://poeticwalls.com/en/properties/Via_Costamante

Architecture that makes us freer
This masterfully constructed spatial continuum—realized with considerable structural effort—demonstrates, within 85 square meters of living space, that architecture can support us in becoming a more content, more open version of ourselves. It is also beautiful to see that uplifting spatial experiences do not depend on the size of a room—bringing us back once again to Enzo Mari.
https://poeticwalls.com/en/properties/Via_Costamante

Never a dull moment
You can’t get enough of this architectural promenade.
https://poeticwalls.com/en/properties/Via_Costamante

White is a state of being
In Via Costamante, white is more than just a color. The chalky white of all undecorated walls and ceilings. The sweeping white metal railings that extend through the space. The floors and tabletops. The surfaces of the built-in furniture modules: all executed in precise marble work. The stone itself—white, with beautiful depth and subtle veining—cut from a single marble block that the architects selected at the quarry.

The key feature is the atypical laying pattern: a minimalist mosaic of mostly large slabs with asymmetrical and triangular shapes. The residents, understandably, have not adorned the walls with art: the minimalism of the marble mosaic on the floor is sufficient. Incidentally, this is the only house in the area, which has underfloor heating throughout: in winter, people are happy to step inside.
https://poeticwalls.com/en/properties/Via_Costamante

Place, surroundings, development
Castellammare del Golfo has remained beautifully normal, and perfectly suited for everyday life. The town and its administration function well. In Sicily, people are direct and down-to-earth. Castellammare is not polished like Capri, but fascinating and enchanting, with bags of charm and energy. It offers excellent flâneur qualities and a surprising cleanliness. A classic Sicilian seaside town with many craft and trade workshops, restaurants, and bars. A place where one can dine well, swim well, and find just about everything—except perhaps Kägi fret. Recently, the harbor town even created a beach club near the center. In general, the beach-hopping opportunities are excellent. Towards Scopello, in Sicily’s oldest nature reserve, Zingaro, lie the most delightful ones. Local fish can still be bought early in the morning from the fishermen. Mountains, nature reserve, and beaches are so close that one can go daily. Within an hour you’re in Palermo, where you can get your adrenaline levels up—be
it for the opera or an exhibition opening. Difficult to find  a more fascinating and cultured European port town. And then it’s wonderful to return to Castellamare again.
https://poeticwalls.com/en/properties/Via_Costamante

Landscape
Building zones are now heavily regulated, with landscape protections enforced within the reserve’s perimeter.
https://poeticwalls.com/en/properties/Via_Costamante
https://poeticwalls.com/en/properties/Terassenhaus-2

Terrassenhaus II sits on the slopes of Monte Sparagio, 1,111 metres above sea level. Arno describes the house in its exposed location as a "Sehapparat” (English: “viewing machine"). E vero. The view: total – with a large share of blue. The foreground stops at the edge of the swimming pool, beyond which you are left exposed to infinity. You lose balance and surrender to Sicilia dreamin with a sigh. The coastline with its Insta-worthy rock formations, the sea with its islands and its reflection - the sky. The mountainous landscape, the Riserva dello Zingaro nature reserve, the towns of Castellammare del Golfo and Scopello are delicate side dishes. Life in a state of permanent immediacy. The condition lingers. Even inside the house. Even when you close your eyes. It only leaves you, when you turn your back on the impressions in blue and ochre and sink into the P 110 armchair (1965) by Osvaldo Borsani. The view, fixed on infinity a moment ago, now crashes against the amorphous wall of red rock.
Like the front façade, the mountain-side façade sports room-high windows with sliding doors.
https://poeticwalls.com/en/properties/Terassenhaus-2
https://poeticwalls.com/en/properties/Terassenhaus-2

Terrassenhaus II, features

01 Central idea: Sehapparat – a camera to live in. The device works perfectly well – I tested it myself: the eyes drink in infinity.

02 The carved mountain A deep cut into the slope allows the house to disappear into the ground towards the mountain – with a fully glazed rear façade: thermal insulation and light gain.

03 Type-support structure-construction allowing maximum freedom for interior design.

04 The power of two fronts Glass fronts with sliding doors facing the sea and the mountain.

05 Mono-volume Pool, terrace, house and walls form a single body. The connection between the pool and the house is accentuated by 40 cm high steps that form two platforms and are part of the furnishing.

06 Topographical entertainment From a distance, the hillside house resembles three cuts into the mountain, precise and minimalist like those of Lucio Fontana. Two horizontal "cuts" for the outer wall of the pool and the roof line. The diagonal "cut" is the wall of the driveway. The hanging pent roof conceals the terrace and the façade.

07 Understated appearance Reference to local building experience.

08 Floor plan and fixtures ready to play Two service triangles accommodate the bathroom, walk-in closet, kitchen storage space and appliances. At the same time, they separate the two sleeping areas from the rest of the spacious living and dining area. There are exits to the outside from all areas. The 40 cm difference in floor level, in the mountain-facing space with the highest ceiling, creates a stage, a seating area and a relaxation platform. The free-standing solid aluminium module for cooking, washing and preparing food is functional and aesthetically pleasing at once. All fixtures are custom-made and part of the architecture. Typical for Brandlhuber+: the house comes ready to play. The additional design objects are hand-picked and contribute formally and mentally to the feel of a less stressful era. Well curated, Arno. We also owned two P 110s once, and love Cini Boeri's furniture.

09 A supercool retreat, says Poeticwalls. In other words, an effortless house. One without a sense of mission. One that is nearly invisible. A house that breathes infinity. One that also conveys comfort and brings happiness.

10 Technology ensures comfort Underfloor heating and cooling via an air-water heat pump; separate heat pump for the pool.
https://poeticwalls.com/en/properties/Terassenhaus-2

Sicily instead of Ticino, Alentejo, Tuscany, Mallorca, Provence!

Italy is not without its problems. Good news, that its southernmost part is doing so well in terms of infrastructure, security and administration. Italy and the EU have invested a lot in Sicily over the past 20 years. But Sicily is still not on the radar for second homes. That is currently changing. Italians are buying and relocating their holiday homes to the island. The inspiring environment of architecture, art, cuisine and living traditions are good reasons to choose Sicily: the ancient Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spaniards and French have all left their cultural and historical mark on Sicily. The wealth of unspoilt landscapes and fantastic cities is equally inspiring. Check season 2 of "White Lotus", the American HBO mini-series, which depicts Sicily as an entertainingly exaggerated place of longing.
https://poeticwalls.com/en/properties/Terassenhaus-2
https://poeticwalls.com/en/properties/Terassenhaus-2

Arno Brandlhuber

The architect made a name for himself with his studio Brandlhuber+ (now b+) in Berlin, with recycling and repurposing transformations of existing buildings. In addition to his idiosyncratic transformations, his repertoire includes new builds. Arno Brandlhuber is a professor at ETH Zurich.
https://poeticwalls.com/en/properties/Terassenhaus-2

Via Costamante (https://poeticwalls.com/en/properties/Via_Costamante)
Terrassenhaus II (https://poeticwalls.com/en/properties/Terassenhaus-2)

For questions and viewings contact Michelle Nicol,

nic@poeticwalls.com (mailto:nic@poeticwalls.com) , +41 79 642 0207

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https://poeticwalls.com

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