The Avenue of the Americas is a two-lane road that runs along the main route from Catania to the city. Visitors arriving in Ragusa are greeted by a welcome sign in the Baroque-style capital of the province, where several historic monuments in the city center are recognized by UNESCO.
This project is situated in an unnamed area on the city’s outskirts, surrounded by a collection of uninspiring buildings constructed between the late 20th century and the early 2000s.
Tourists rarely venture down this path due to the lack of urban planning. The roads are narrow lanes, creating a chaotic, car-focused cluster that connects different areas but neglects pedestrian accessibility and identity.
At the end of 2010, we embarked on a project to design housing for two families in this context. Our client decided to pursue a modern architectural approach, moving away from the initial plan of a traditional building with classical elements. From this point, the project’s defining identity and unique image began to take shape, driven by the adoption of contemporary design principles.
The core design concept was to distinguish the building from its surroundings by incorporating a cantilevered first level that prominently faces the street. The use of concrete and its formwork were carefully considered to shape the building’s aesthetic.
The design embraces a holistic approach, seamlessly integrating interior and exterior spaces. Although the building houses two separate families, the materials used throughout maintain a cohesive visual language.
Entry is through an internal passage at the rear, where a structural grid extends outward, complemented by a lightweight steel staircase that contrasts with the concrete structure.
Night View of the Building
Interior Views
Project Drawings
▲ First Floor Plan
▲ Second Floor Plan
Project Information
Architect: Architrend Architecture
Location: Ragusa, Italy
Category: Residential
Lead Architects: Gaetano Manganello, Carmelo Tumino
Project Area: 730.0 square meters
Project Year: 2014
Photographer: More (BIM Architecture) no Maggi
Manufacturers: EAMES, 160Makro, 160Mutina, Le Corbusier, Bulthaup, Eero Saarinen, Antonio Citterio
Contractor: Baglieri & Ottaviano
Collaborator: Marco Garfi
Client: Nativo Giorgio
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