Introduction
A splendid detached villa set within a secluded rural landscape, just a short distance from the town center. The project involves the creation of a modern-style balustrade, designed to engage in a refined dialogue with an architectural structure of significant historical value, without compromising its balance or identity.
The villa, commissioned by General Boccatrezza, traces its origins back to 16th-century ruins. The first substantial construction dates to the 18th century, while a major 19th-century expansion introduced the elegant lateral terraces that continue to define the building’s architectural character today.
The property also played a role in important historical events during the First World War, serving as a coordination center for the eastern area of the American army, further enhancing its historical and symbolic significance within the Verona region.
Craftsmanship Detail
The distinctive quality of this balustrade lies in its essential design, achieved through a precise technical study. The project involved the direct insertion of all vertical elements into the floor, even in the presence of wooden surfaces, eliminating any covers and enhancing the three-dimensional character of the composition.
To achieve this effect, the vertical bars were offset by 13 mm alternately to the right and to the left, creating a controlled visual rhythm and a dynamic sense of depth. The installation process was technically demanding, yet the final result is striking: the iron appears to rise directly from the wood, without trims or concealments, fully revealing the craftsmanship behind the work.
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A contemporary gesture moving through history
Detail 1
The project finds its strength in the precision of its technical execution. Proportions, profiles, and connections were carefully calibrated to achieve a clean and understated appearance, capable of enhancing the architectural setting without overpowering it.
By combining contemporary design intent with time-honored metalworking techniques, the balustrade achieves a refined balance between innovation and tradition, where every technical decision contributes to the overall visual harmony.
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A contemporary gesture moving through history, reflecting its light
Iteration 2
The solutions adopted stem from a body of know-how built over time, rooted in hands-on experience and traditional craftsmanship. This project required a highly inventive approach in order to install each element with virtually zero margin for error, adapting it to the different materials present within the villa.
The components were set directly into marble and wood, working with sequences of 20, 30, 40 up to 50 elements, each manufactured and installed with decimal-level tolerances. This degree of precision stands in sharp contrast to standard construction practices, where measurements are typically handled in metres, not millimetres, and certainly not in fractions of a millimetre.
Finishes
Highly refined brass elements were introduced at the junction between the vertical design and the handrail. These spherical details were produced by creating an extremely precise square отверст to accommodate the vertical element, which features a square cross-section.
The required level of accuracy was decimal, making the process particularly challenging, as standard machinery is not capable of producing square holes with such precision. The final result is the outcome of research, experimentation, and advanced craftsmanship expertise.
Conclusion
n the final stage, the newel points were further emphasized through the addition of a slightly larger sphere, positioned above the brass handrail. This choice visually reinforces the main structural anchors of the balustrade, giving them greater presence and definition.
To enhance this detail, a dual finish was selected: the spheres were left in polished brass, while the handrail features a satin finish. The contrast between the two surfaces creates a refined and subtle balance, enriching the overall composition without overwhelming it.
