BUILD Q1 2020

51 Best of BUILD Dec19422 rchitecture has the potential to change the game for the global fight in securing global levels of environ- mental sustainability. More and more architects are beginning to realise the style of erecting a property that effortlessly works and blends with the surrounding environ- ment. At the very beginning of its story, the team at altro_studio began to research the concept of movement and how it could be applied to the home. Whether for temporary housing, or ma- jor urban project, the firm work tirelessly to explore, examine, and experiment with the concept and application of movement styles to a home. First and foremost however, the needs of the resident must come first, and those at altro_studio understand that better than most. Chief architect Anna Rita Emili brings a wealth of experience to the contemporary styles of design and architecture that altro_studio has cultivated a reputation for delivering. Since graduating from the architecture faculty at La Sapienza in 1990, she has worked in a myriad of architectural and teaching roles, inspiring a new generation of architects to go beyond the ordi- nary in pursuit of design excellence. Italian Ingenuity Founded in 1998 by a group of like-minded architects and designers, altro_studio is an interdisciplinary environment that is a breeding ground for brave creativity and style. In this issue of BUILD, the firm has been named as Most Outstanding in Contemporary Design & Architecture. Discover more as we profile the studio to understand the firm’s influences and motivations. A Throughout her time at altro_studio, Anna Emili and her small team have continued to focus on the environmental sustainabil- ity of each and every individual project. Concentrating on new concepts of flexible, transformable, eco-living spaces, the firm has been responsible for some truly innovative and integrated architecture designs. They not only consider the impact on an environment, but also on the functional and structural needs of the individuals living inside a space. However, creating a space that is flexible, transformable, and environmentally-friendly is not easy. For this reason, amongst others, altro_studio chose to focus its research on exciting and new technologies and innovative materials, before setting out to investigate the problems of environmental sustainability. One of the ways in which the firm has taken advantage of technology is through the capabilities that automated systems afford. Build- ings can rise from environments and become visible, before seamlessly transitioning back beneath the veil of Mother Nature. During the studio’s existence, it has been responsible for the design and creation of many innovative and ingenious archi- tectural designs. Not only does each design reflect the unique needs of the consumer, but it also does its best to accommo- date and integrate the environment wherever possible. A prime example of altro_studio’s commitment to environmental sustain- ability combined with comfortable living can be seen stretching back more than thirteen years to 2006. The design for a Well House proposed a multi-storey home shaped like a courtyard, with an integrated swimming pool at the bottom. With aquariums, fish farms and hydroponic green- houses dotted around the courtyard-style home, guests could enjoy a slice of luxury living whilst also enjoying an undeniable connectedness to one of life’s fundamental elements; water. Ultimately, altro_studio represents the best of what BUILD Mag- azine seeks to highlight; innovation and ingenuity at its absolute finest. The unrelenting pursuit of environmental sustainability coupled with architectural brilliance continues to single out altro_studio as one of the best in the business, with a bright future ahead of it. Company: altro_studio Contact: Anna Emili Website: www.altro-studio.org/home “...the firm work tirelessly to explore, examine, and experiment with the concept and application of movement styles to a home. First and foremost however, the needs of the resident must come first, and those at altro_studio understand that better than most.”