Vineyard View

Italian architect Duilio Damilano has created Villa Geef, a contemporary minimalist residence in Sondrio, Italy.

- Joanne Molina

Nestled in the Italian countryside is a home that captures the soul as much as the spirit of contemporary architecture. Designed by Milan-based architect Duilio Damilano, Villa Geef’s sleek, poised disposition conceals the intricate choreography of intellect, passion and vision necessary for its creation.

The 750 m2 home deeply reflects the architect’s personal approach. “Our design philosophy is rooted in respect for the surrounding environment, the containment of energy consumption and the use of environmentally-friendly materials. Over the years our attention to this has grown. Our philosophy is influenced by the deconstructivists of the 1980s, with our spatial research, minimalism and organic architecture.”

Damilano’s design was inspired by the lush landscape. The area was initially used as a recreational space, but he saw potential due to its size and the surrounding mountain landscape, which holds the vineyards of Valtellina.

“[Its] minimalism is in the purity of its lines, and its organic style lies in the choice of materials. The project was inspired by the mountain region of Sondrio, cultivated with terraced vineyards,” he explains.

Damilano was inspired by his father and brother, who are both passionate sculptors; his multidisciplinary firm opened in 1990 and focuses on architecture and design, with projects including administrative offices, residential buildings and retail spaces in Italy and abroad.