Escaleras

Strategically placed glass doors and windows provide ample ventilation during hot summer months.

With a minimal and understated look, this floating staircase and landing design evokes a less-is-more philosophy and architectural style. Architect Carlo Gaspari converted a former knife-making workshop in Abruzzo, Italy, into a sophisticated residential property. The design pays homage to the home’s name—Casa del Ferro (the Iron House)—by using iron within the interior design, such as the staircase.

The functional bedrooms have been designed as retreats for when larger groups stay at the home. Each family suite has a full en-suite shower room, large cupboards, and a seating area for relaxing.

“We always joke that we will establish a religion, but we are not super-weird people or intellectuals. We are boring couples with kids who were open to something different,

“When you live in a community, it’s really necessary to discuss different points of view—the different necessities and expectations—and to be free to participate or not,” says Paula.

The two-level cabins are outfitted with a metal spiral staircases that accesses the second story.

A narrow stairwell leading from the kitchen to the primary suite above is partially enclosed by a brick screen, which lets in light and fresh air. Solar panels line the roof of the bedroom. “We didn’t want to plant just any home in Mexico,” Marc says. “It had to be a Mexican house that’s going to survive here.”

“Sustainability is often used as a big banner. On this traditional house, we wanted the aesthetic to be subtle but the performance to be loud,” explains architect Christine Lara Hoff. The team