Another piece of Mediterranean rocky architecture

Constructed on impossible edges and precipices, Casa Malaparte is situated on the island of Capri, on a narrow strip of rocky promontory and it is almost impossible to imagine it's construction. Projected, invented and constructed by Adalberto Libera for Curzio Malaparte, the villa is considered a masterpiece of modern architecture. In spite of it's clearly avant-guard architecture, the villa integrates itself perfectly in the landscape. It captures the spartan spirit, simple, severe and suited to the ancient, sacred rituals of an authentic, inaccessible hermit. The villa, which the writer baptized 'house like me', recalls the local architecture in it's simplicity. A simplicity that favours the natural movement of the rock, rising and flowing – as if climbing to heaven -on the solar terrace, in perfect harmony with the surrounding landscape. Constructed in cement,the entire house is covered in plaster and painted blood-red, making it stick out immediately in marvellous contrast to the surrounding landscape that is dominated by the blue of the sea, the grey of the rock and the vibrant green of the maritime pines that surround it; a choice that is perfectly in line with the construction techniques of the area and gives time, the sea, and the salt the task of engraving cracks and nuances in the exterior colour of the house giving the bright facade a shabby, worn aspect, lightly sandblasted and discoloured, that is it's most characteristic and important decorative element. The interior of the villa is typical of the homes of the area and is reminiscent of many of the charming homes that Amalfi Coast Accomodation proposes to it's clients. The house is constructed around a great living room with large windows, each of which offers a different panorama. The fireplace at Casa Malaparte is enormous, simple and unique; it has a tempered crystal window inside that is exposed to the west. In the winter the setting sun lights up the fire; at night , looking at the house from the sea, the fire burning inside the house creates a flickering, suggestive and poetic lighthouse for the navigator. Malaparte's will, which stipulated that the house not become a museum, is still respected today, and unfortunately, the property is not open to the public. It can be admired from afar during a boat trip around the island, or, even better -in art and architecture books available worldwide.