A multifunctional terrace

At first glance, this home renovation project might appear to involve no more than the construction of a large covered terrace with access from the main external steps. In reality, it was specifically commissioned to create a multifunctional open air space that would fit in harmoniously with the existing 1970s building. It proved to be a highly skilful restyling operation that served to provide a typically Veneto-style residence with a space satisfying the new criteria of interior and exterior living. The villa is situated in a leafy residential area of Tezze sul Brenta, a town with just over 12,000 inhabitants in the province of Vicenza in Italy’s industrious northeast. Close to the border with the province of Padua, this largely flat and sunny region to the east of the river Brenta was once used for rural activities.
Thirty years since the house was first built, the new renovation work had to take account of a number of constraints relating both to the intended use of the terrace and the fact that it would serve as the main entrance. The primary aim of the remodelling work was to create a relaxation area under the cover of the sloping roof that would be suitable for continuous use during the spring and summer months. It also required a floor covering that would blend in with the aesthetics of the house. This reflects that fact that the new rules of contemporary living are increasingly breaking down the barriers between interior and exterior and creating outdoor areas that are fully-fledged living spaces.
The design project was assigned to Dissegna srl, a firm based in Romano d’Ezzelino in the province of Vicenza which specialises in building materials, especially ceramic tiles. The project had to take account of the period of construction of the house (the 1970s) and the specific characteristics of the architecture and the surrounding garden. The chosen solution was an exterior porcelain tile (Geostone from Monocibec), which along with specific qualities of resistance to weathering also has a colour that harmonises well with the surrounding environment and a non-uniform texture reminiscent of natural stone with irregular terracotta coloured mottling. The tiles were chosen in 25×25 cm square and 25×50 cm rectangular sizes and installed in a layout consisting of a central pattern enclosed by a perimeter frame.
The large terrace, which provides access to the living area of the house and is flanked by a low wall surmounted by slender pillars supporting the roof, also has a corner with a large brick fireplace. This built-in structure, which also features an oven and a firewood compartment, is the focal point for open-air conviviality. The nearby dining area furnished with a dark solid timber table and comfortable chairs, is ideal for entertaining friends and family.
The perfect choice for a floor-covering material was therefore a ceramic tile that combines stone-effect aesthetic qualities with high wear, abrasion, staining and slip resistance.