Gentle Genius
Gentle Genius is a house in Altamura, Southern Italy, renovated according to a design by Giacomo Garziano’s GG-loop studio.
The corner plot house, which has been in the architect’s family since the 1950s, was redesigned by Garziano in 2015 to create a new three-dimensional façade, with the aim being to exploit the contrast between light and shadow, as well as improving its energy efficiency.
Largely made up of tessellating diamond shapes, the faceted surface was created using an exterior insulation and finishing system (EIFS). This is a type of external cladding that includes both solid panels and a render topcoat. The additional layer of insulation helps with the building’s heat retention, reducing its overall energy consumption.
The building’s red finish was achieved with an outer coating made from a mix of plaster, paint and resin. Glittering particles were added for the final resin coating, which gives the building its glittery finish.
Garziano said his choice of red was driven by wanting the house to stand out from the sky and surrounding townscape:
"Red has the longest wave length of the visible spectrum and can be associated with the longest sound waves that, rather than touching our ears, are felt in the torso. It touches the instincts of the viewer. It is not linear, it is a multi-faceted perception that reaches out from the walls, transforming the residential building into a sculpture.
“We wanted the building to vibrate over the whole day, turning from red to blue thanks to the glossy finishing, and from red to gold thanks to the more subtle golden vibrations of the glitter."
While most of the interior has been left as it was, a small area has been renovated as a guest apartment. This area’s interior is dominated by geometric patterns in a style similar to the exterior. Storage areas and furniture are integrated into walls that feature a honeycomb-like pattern known as a Voronai tessellation. Garziano has called this room 'The Infection' because of its bacteria-like patterns.
See the Unusual Building Design of the Week series here.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Architectural styles.
- Building of the week series.
- Cabin Straumsnes, Norway.
- Calakmul Corporate Building, Mexico.
- Cube Houses.
- Dancing House, Prague.
- Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao.
- Habitat 67.
- Kunsthaus Graz.
- Little Crooked House, Poland.
- Lotus Temple.
- Loyly, Finland.
- Luxor Las Vegas.
- MY DVA showroom.
- Nexus.
- St. Basil’s Cathedral.
- The Oculus.
- Unusual building design of the week.
- Upside Down House, Poland.
[edit] External references
- Dezeen - Gentle Genius
Featured articles and news
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.