Villa Planchart, Gio Ponti

Creating a home is more than just constructing a living space; it’s about crafting an environment that resonates with the personal narrative of those who dwell within. It’s a place where functionality meets personal expression, resulting in spaces that are not only efficient but also intimately connected to the homeowner’s way of life. With this philosophy in mind, here are the essential elements to consider:

Villa Planchart Gio Ponti, pictures by Juliotavolo

Gio Ponti’s “The Five Points”

1. Reflective Living: The house should mirror the inhabitants’ lifestyle.
2.Versatile Spaces: Utilize an open plan with sliding walls for a flexible living area.
3.Outdoor Connection: Incorporate Italian-inspired porches, terraces, and balconies for indoor-outdoor harmony.
4.Furnished Windows: Design windowed walls with custom solutions for functionality and aesthetics.
5.Central Library: Include a fixed library as a hub for continuous learning and cultural enrichment.

Gio Ponti, Villa Planchart, pianta del piano terra. “Domus” 303, 1955.

Villa Planchart (1953-57)
seems to float above the hills of Caracas, with its exterior designed as if it’s made of hovering planes that play with the landscape. The walls don’t meet at the corners, giving the house an airy, open feel. This architectural choice is intentional, transforming the walls into ethereal screens detoched from the structure.
At night, the lighting makes the villa glow, emphasizing its unique design and making it look even lighter. It’s a house that’s both part of the land and a work of art in itself.

Villa Planchart as a sanctuary where the patio isn’t merely an outdoor area, but a thoughtful stage that offers selective views from within, serving as a seamless connector and a subtle divider of the living spaces.

The house is designed with precision, its visual planes meticulously oriented to harness the best of nature’s offerings—the panoramic views, the gentle winds, and the warm embrace of the sun.

The fluidity of Villa Planchart is its signature, an embodiment of the ‘open space’ concept, free-flowing and uninterrupted, with doors present only where privacy is essential.