Access to the Roman Villa excavations / Eppan

Architecture
The project intends to build the conditions for a visit to the ancient finds to become an experience capable of conveying an emotion, an opportunity to alienate oneself and travel back in time with the mind.
As a first act, a wooden roof is placed to protect the excavations, a simple sloping plane for the most efficient rainwater control. It is a familiar shape, a large roof similar to that of many agricultural shelters in this area. The roof pitch follows the course of the ground; the interior space it determines is all projected towards a very long loggia overlooking the valley.
The loggia carves out a portion of the landscape further away: at the bottom the Adige valley, up the Monte Pozza and in the background the Sciliar massif. The same scenery that formed the backdrop to Appius’ daily life, accompanies a visit to the remains of his residence today.
The roof beams have a catenary profile that follows the course of the bending stresses; the roof thus takes on a curtain-like appearance stretched to protect the remains.

Materials
The building is clad on the outside with flamed larch boards finished with natural oil (Shou Sugi Ban technique – 焼杉板).
An industrial-type material is used for the roofing, a trapezoidal profile sheet of titanium zinc.
The materials used are characterised by simplicity, the same that characterises the many agricultural shelters in the area.
The black wood used on the outside gives the building a familiar yet enigmatic character.