Take the roof off: outside meets inside in a radically artistic Italian home

The Guardian

30-03-2025

Tucked into the rolling hills between Bertinoro and Cesena, Marcantonio Raimondi Malerba's home is not just a place to live, it is a testament to the seamless fusion of art, nature and design. For the celebrated sculptor, artist and designer, whose whimsical creations have captivated the design world, this sanctuary is both a refuge and a continuous source of inspiration.
'When I first visited the land, I was struck by its natural beauty,' he recalls. 'The terrain had a peculiar shape – an almost perfectly rectangular hilltop. As I explored, two roe deer wandered past, an almost magical encounter. That was the moment I knew I would build my home-atelier right here.'
This connection to nature is woven into every aspect of his house, a cluster of minimalist white volumes that rise organically from the landscape. 'I wanted a home that resonated with the environment, rather than imposing itself,' he explains. 'At the same time, I wanted it to reflect my work, like a sculpture.' The result? A structure of pure, essential forms, where the architecture itself is a study in balance and restraint. White concrete-tile roofs blend into the walls, creating a monolithic effect, while expansive glass surfaces welcome in amazing views.
The layout, too, is unconventional. The interior is designed not as a singular mass, but as a series of interconnected spaces, reminiscent of a small village. 'I loved the idea of multiple small houses, rather than one large entity. This created a series of intimate, picturesque corners, each with its own play of light and shadow,' he says.
A glass passageway connects the private residence to his studio, offering a liminal space between work and life, contemplation and creation. From the terrace, the view spills on to the Romagna countryside. 'Living here is a constant dialogue with nature,' says Marcantonio. 'I even placed an outdoor bathtub and shower on the terrace, inspired by my travels in Indonesia, so I never lose the feeling of being outside.'
The surrounding garden is another of his passions: 'I don't want it to feel too designed. Nature should have its own say,' he says.
Stepping inside the home he shares with his partner, the illustrator Alessandra Bruni, one immediately notices how the interiors reflect his artistic philosophy: a space where raw, sculptural simplicity meets curated eclecticism. 'I've always been drawn to the stark, sun-drenched interiors of Puglia and Greece, where white dominates and objects are chosen with artistic intent,' he says. His own home follows this ethos, acting as an extension of his creative universe. Here, white walls become blank canvases, punctuated by pieces that tell stories: a Gorilla Chair and pouf from Scarlet Splendour, the Comfy sofa and Sending Pig storage chest from Seletti, a handcrafted wooden flower table. 'Every object has meaning, whether it's a piece I designed or something I found in a flea market. I see them as characters in a collective narrative.'
'What I love is the magical object, a special and unique piece that carries a story, an idea and an intrinsic meaning,' he says. 'An object that, for those who own it or for those who can truly see it, holds a value far beyond its market worth. I don't make a strong distinction between art and design; rather, what I do is search for the artistic aspect within design and make functional what I contemplate.'
The dining area is a study in contrasts: a robust oak table built by a friend, surrounded by traditional Romagnolo osteria chairs and an African stool. Above, in the living area, the Karman Plancton lamp casts an ethereal glow. 'I love the mix of influences, from local craftsmanship to global inspirations. There's no single style, just layers of memories and artistic contaminations.'
Perhaps the most personal piece in the house is an old wooden bench from his childhood bedroom, now repurposed as part of the decor. 'Each object has a history, a presence. That's what ties everything together,' he reflects. 'Design, for me, is never just about aesthetics, it's about storytelling.' And so, in this white sculptural haven, Marcantonio continues to craft, dream, and play – surrounded by nature, memory, and the quiet, boundless space where art and life intertwine.
For more information, go to marcantonio.it