Villa La Finta Nonna

Villa La Finta Nonna is a single family house defined by its carefully considered proportions and its subtle interaction with its surroundings. Situated on a sloping site in Koksijde, Belgium, the design responds to the terrain in a way that shapes the architectural narrative and spatial experience.

The slight incline of the site allows the basement level to emerge at the rear, opening onto the garden. This creates the illusion of the upper volume floating above the landscape. This cantilevered effect introduces a sense of lightness while simultaneously engaging in a dialogue with the neighboring buildings. The house carefully balances between subtlety and presence, with the rear elevation establishing a connection to the larger, more imposing volume of the adjacent property. This juxtaposition highlights the conceptual reference to "La Finta Nonna"—the wolf disguised as the gentle grandmother—where the house presents a calm and measured front while subtly addressing the context's more aggressive elements.

The upper level takes full advantage of its elevated position, offering a panoramic view over the surrounding area. In contrast, the design deliberately avoids a direct visual relationship with the neighboring houses or the street, creating a sense of privacy and introspection. By sitting slightly above the level of its immediate context, the villa asserts its own identity while maintaining a respectful balance with its environment.

A central element in the design is the cantilevered volume, which not only defines the architectural character but also reinforces the interplay between the floating upper level and the grounded basement. The building's materiality, featuring raw concrete and polished screed, further enhances its bold yet restrained aesthetic.

Villa La Finta Nonna is a reflection on proportion, context, and subtle contrasts. Through its measured scale and strategic positioning, it redefines how architecture can mediate between its terrain, its neighbors, and its own internal logic.

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