Set Architects has reimagined a traditional single-family house located in the pastoral landscape of Fondi, Italy. This transformative renovation responds to the needs of a young family, blending rural architectural traditions with contemporary living demands. The project revamps the building’s existing structure by reconfiguring its spatial relationships and updating its material palette to cultivate a harmonious dialogue between interior and exterior spaces.
House with a Square Window Technical Information
- Architects1-3: Set Architects
- Location: Fondi, Italy
- Gross Area: 200 m2 | 2,150 Sq. Ft.
- Project Years: 2020 – 2024
- Photographs: © Willem Pab
Our ambition was to reinterpret the archetype of the countryside home through deliberate spatial discontinuities and a material palette that bridges tradition with modernity.
– Set Architects
House with a Square Window Photographs
Design Intent and Spatial Configuration
At the project’s heart was the ambition to align the house with the evolving needs of contemporary living. The transformation involved reinterpreting conventional volumetric layouts, resulting in a home that deviates from its original designs to foster novel spatial relationships. The architects prioritized fluidity and openness within interior spaces, minimizing partitions to enhance flow. This is exemplified by the continuous living area marked distinctly by a central service core, which serves as a backdrop to the kitchen, highlighting the modern domestic lifestyle’s dynamism.
Material Strategy and Craft
The material strategy draws from both rural tradition and modern sensibilities, creating an interior that feels both grounded and forward-thinking. Continuous microcement flooring merges with natural oak surfaces, while metallic details intersperse these elements, introducing textural contrast. Light-toned walls and slender stainless steel accents contribute to a serene, cohesive atmosphere. The exterior’s white plaster finish provides an abstract envelope that subtly shifts with light, enhancing the perception of depth and volume.
House with a Square Window in its Environmental and Cultural Context
The project’s engagement with its rural surroundings is evident through its architecture, landscaping, and cultural dialogue. A prominent square window frames the Italian countryside from the upper floor, forming a visual link between indoors and out. On the southern elevation, sliding glass doors extend the living area to engage with the garden, blurring the line between architecture and nature. This landscape design acts as a transitional element, offering both a visual retreat and a contextual buffer.
Experiential Qualities and Architectural Atmosphere
The experiential qualities of the home are defined by its considered use of light and space. Expansive windows permit natural light to suffuse the interior, altering perceptions of scale and creating a dialogue with the exterior environments. Circulation paths are straightforward yet non-linear, inviting exploration and interaction. The reimagined staircase assumes a sculptural role, catalyzing spatial fluidity and further enriching the home’s atmosphere with its open, interconnected design.
House with a Square Window Plans
House with a Square Window Image Gallery
About Set Architects
Founded in Rome, Set Architects has built a reputation for projects that blend analytical rigor with creative exploration. Established in 2017 by Onorato di Manno and Andrea Tanci, the studio is marked by collaborative design processes and a commitment to innovative architectural solutions that respect and reinterpret local contexts.
Credits and Additional Notes
- Architects: Set Architects (Onorato di Manno, Andrea Tanci)
- Collaborators: Virginia Pagano, Maria Lidia Tamburro
- References and Publications: Set Architects official press release (June 14, 2025)
