Conservation Accomplished

Architects Massimo Alvisi and Junko Kirimoto renovated two farmhouses dating from the first half of the 20th century for Sylvie Guillem, Paris Opera Ballets youngest-ever toile, the companys top-ranking female dancer, and Gilles Tapie, her husband, fashion and dance photographer.

- Ramya Srinivasan

Amidst the green hills of northern Lazio in Italy, as part of a 27,000 sq m property, stand two archaic farmhouses, that after decades of neglect have been given a new lease of life. Named ‘Villa Guillem’, the project is an inspiration not only in the manner in which it pays tribute to the existing architectural spaces, but how it also makes an ambitious effort to use principles of energy conservation and environmental sustainability.

A renovation project can be a challenge in itself and imbibing green principles in an existing space that comes with its plate of constraints can be an added test of skill and will. However, Alvisi and Kirimoto explain, “This is the logical result of attention to the environment that Sylvie and Gilles have always had at the centre of their commitment. Both are supporters of environmental causes. In its own way it is a programmatic manifesto, translated into a practice of a deep respect for the landscape and the nature of the countryside where their new home is located.”

Sustainability is also one of the main themes in the work of Alvisi and his wife Kirimoto, founders of the Alvisi Kirimoto architecture studio based in Rome. So, it was only natural that the architect couple built a residence for another couple based on the shared view of respect for the ecosystem.