Importance Score: 20 / 100 🔵
Nestled in the verdant hills connecting Bertinoro and Cesena, the residence of Marcantonio Raimondi Malerba transcends mere living space, embodying a harmonious blend of artistic expression, natural surroundings, and innovative design. For the renowned sculptor, artist, and designer Marcantonio Raimondi Malerba, celebrated for his imaginative and captivating works, this Italian sanctuary serves as both a peaceful retreat and an ongoing wellspring of creativity. His home in Italy exemplifies his design philosophy, seamlessly integrating architecture with the landscape.
“Upon my initial visit to this land, I was immediately captivated by its inherent beauty,” Malerba recounts. “The landscape possessed a distinct form—a nearly rectangular hilltop. During my exploration, an enchanting moment occurred when two roe deer gracefully appeared. It was then I decided to establish my home and studio in this very location.”
This profound connection with the natural world permeates every facet of his dwelling, a collection of minimalist white structures that emerge organically from the terrain. “My aspiration was to create a home that harmonized with its setting, rather than dominating it,” he elaborates. “Simultaneously, I desired it to mirror my artistic endeavors, akin to a sculpture.” The outcome is a construction characterized by pristine, fundamental shapes, in which the architecture itself is an exercise in equilibrium and moderation. White concrete-tile roofs merge seamlessly into the walls, yielding a unified appearance, while generous glass expanses invite breathtaking vistas.
Unconventional Layout and Design
The internal configuration also departs from convention. The interior is conceived not as a unified expanse but as a sequence of interconnected areas, evoking the ambiance of a quaint village. “I was drawn to the concept of numerous smaller units instead of a single, massive structure. This approach engendered a succession of secluded, charming nooks, each exhibiting its own interplay of illumination and shade,” he explains.
Seamless Transition Between Living and Working Spaces
A glass-enclosed corridor bridges the divide between the private quarters and his studio, establishing a transitional zone that blurs the boundaries of professional and personal life, introspection and fabrication. The vista from the terrace extends across the picturesque Romagna landscape. “Residing here is an ongoing conversation with nature,” states Marcantonio. “Inspired by my journeys in Indonesia, I even incorporated an open-air bathtub and shower on the terrace, ensuring a perpetual sense of outdoor immersion.”
Nature-Inspired Garden
The encompassing garden constitutes another of his profound interests. “My intention is to avoid an overly contrived aesthetic. Nature itself should dictate its form,” he remarks.
Interior Design and Artistic Philosophy
Sculptural Simplicity and Curated Eclecticism
Upon entering the residence he shares with his partner, illustrator Alessandra Bruni, one immediately perceives the manifestation of his artistic principles in the interiors: a domain where unrefined, sculptural minimalism converges with carefully selected eclecticism. “I have consistently been drawn to the austere, sun-drenched interiors prevalent in Puglia and Greece, characterized by the dominance of white and the deliberate selection of objects with artistic purpose,” he conveys. His own abode embodies this philosophy, functioning as an extension of his imaginative realm. Here, pristine white walls transform into blank canvases, punctuated by elements that narrate tales: the Gorilla Chair and pouf by Scarlet Splendour, the Comfy sofa and Sending Pig storage chest from Seletti, and a bespoke wooden flower table. “Each object possesses significance, be it a piece of my own design or an acquisition from a flea market. I perceive them as characters within a shared narrative.”
“My passion lies in the ‘magical object,’ a distinctive and exceptional item imbued with a story, a concept, and inherent significance,” he articulates. “These are objects that, for those who possess them or can genuinely appreciate them, hold a value that surpasses mere monetary worth. I do not rigidly differentiate between art and design; rather, my approach involves seeking the artistic dimension within design and rendering functional that which I contemplate.”
Eclectic Dining Area
The dining space exemplifies a study in contrasts: a sturdy oak table crafted by a friend, encircled by classic Romagnolo osteria chairs and an African stool. In the adjacent living area, the Karman Plancton lamp emits a soft, ambient light. “I appreciate the fusion of diverse influences, ranging from local artistry to worldwide inspirations. There is no singular stylistic theme, but rather strata of recollections and artistic cross-pollination,” he observes.
Potentially the most intimate element within the home is a vintage wooden bench from his childhood chamber, presently repurposed as a decorative component. “Each object carries a history, a presence; this is the unifying element,” he considers. “For me, design transcends mere aesthetics; it is fundamentally about narrative.” Consequently, within this pristine sculptural sanctuary, Marcantonio persists in creating, envisioning, and engaging—immersed in nature, memory, and the tranquil, expansive realm where artistic expression and existence converge.