2. ince something as beautiful as the Santa Maria Maggiore is
just a stones throw away from the family’s home, I couldn’t help but use the
Rome, Italy
white draped, gold guided phenomenon as an inspiration. As the story dates
back to 356 AD, Mother Mary (St. Maria) approached Pope Liberus in his
dream and insisted he builds a church upon a hilltop that was guaranteed to
Sa
get snow. Liberus couldn’t deny the Virgin Mary of course, so what does he n
M ta M
na
do, chooses one of the best hill tops in Rome, Esquiline Hill, right where this Via Pa
nisper ag a
go r ia
re
apartment it located today. Late one August night, a Miraculous snowfall
occurred, and the outcome, the Santa Maria Maggiore. A true miracle of
ur
our lady of ‘the snow.’ For the Patata-teste family I drew upon the church’s
vo
Ca
warmth, tranquility, underling message of white; and wrapped it all up mi -
a
Vi
raculously, almost as if Mother Mary had dones it herself, once again.
Inspiration
Bernini was an inspiration for this project as well. Not only because he was bur-
ried in Santa Maria Maggiore, but also because of his magni cent water features all over the city.
Since the homeowner is passionate about fountains and water, I thought a focus on water was only
appropriate.
3. Signora Patata-teste is a professional
consultant for one of the most important
At the age of 18, the son, Basilius, eat, sleeps, and men in the world. Her commute to work
breaths soccer. He's working hard in his studies, is a quick 15-minute walk to the neigh-
so a desk and workspace would be a necessity. boring country. Guida, is the personal
Named after the roman word for King, the room consultant for none other than Pope
will be designed to be ' t for a king.' Benedict himself. Her job requires a lot.
All she asks for in a home is somewhere
cozy, unpretentious, and hers. Working
under the strict con nes of The Vatican
all day can be grueling, so a calming oasis
Family
of a boudoir is the perfect answer. This
master bathroom and bedroom would
put any ne hotel’s spa to shame. A large
walk-in glass shower that is partially
Lifestyle outside on the homeowners courtyard
deck is the rooms focal point. Designed
with frosted glass and real rock stones,
they can feel as if showering under the
sky. The bedroom continues to o er
unbelievable bene ts, like top of the art
appliances, large vanity, and a beautiful
antique bed to curl up in after a longs
The daughter, Aurelian, is an 14 year old spitting day work. Imagine waking up to the
image of her mother. She was born with the fashion warm sun creeping through the large
gene of her mother. A large closet is important for her Signor Patata-teste is a manager of a very large water windows with the sheer white drapes
as well. She also loves curling up to a good book in fountain company in Rome called, Sogno Bagnato,or drawn, encouraging the soothing garden
bed, or having all her friends over for sleepovers. So a ”wet dream” in english,which is only tting beacause to be just as part of the interior as it is the
massive built in bed was the best solution. It becomes he provides the hundreds of fountains within the city exterior. Guida doesn’t dwell in Rome
almost it's own room. There is a window that is oper- with the beautiful dream of water. Guido, works long just for it’s Catholicism, she lives for the
able in this space that allows a secret access to the hours, and the thought of a comfortable place to designs of Cavalli, Gucci, and Fendi. So a
balcony. Every girls dream, “Romeo, oh Romeo!” come home to at night is just what he seeks. A thor- considerable walk-in closet to house
oughly designed study, geared towards his liking, Guida’s fashionable Italian wardrobe was
will make bringing the workload home very conveni- imperative.
ent. Don’t put the man’s serious profession past him.
He still likes to have a good time and entertain, like
any Italian does.So a home suitable for entertain-
ment is imperative.
The kitchen and living area are more than generous with space and room
for friends and family. Equipped with comfortable seating that stands
as props, almost, to the real star in the room; the unbelievable view
of Rome, as the rooms drop. A two way replace melts the kitchen into
the family room. Leaving the far north end of the common space for the
secluded, yet involved, study atop a split level plan where storage
takes the beneath.
9. Sustainable Living
Solar panals on backside of the outdoor
shower which generate enough heat to warm
the water of the shower
Private garden on the indoor outdoor
deck which emites better air quality
Lights are halogen energy
saving bulbs that are also
Heathing throughout the house is
motion sensored to con-
provided by geothermal heating (including serve energy when one is
the heated floors and fireplace) not in the room
All windows are operable and
encourage air ventilation
throughout the house
10. Patricia Urquiola
Thanks to these DESIGNERS
Curtains:
Centro Arredo
tessile
Flooring: Iris
Appliances: Valcucine
Heat and Solar systems: Arkema
Bathroom Flooring: Fiandre
Sink: Rapsel
Bedroom
chandelier: Patricia Urquiola
Carolina Fontoura
Bedding: Anthropologie
Shower: Brianna Bullentini
