We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to ancestors, country and community. We pay our respects to their Elders both past and present and to their enduring cultures.
In this interview (in Italian) for the newspaper Il Globo, Francesco tells about his story and the genesis of TERRA!
English translation below:
Building in a conscious, functional way, paying attention to the particular climatic situation that the whole world is facing and favoring the construction of stable structures, both in terms of durability over time and in terms of energy efficiency. This is the objective of Francesco, a young Italian who opened a decidedly innovative architecture studio in Melbourne.
Francesco Adami moved to Melbourne from Verona. Graduated in Architecture at the Milan Polytechnic, Francesco worked for a few years in various studios in Italy, to then specialize in sustainable architecture, before deciding to open his own business. At the heart of all his projects, the young architect promotes systems for energy efficiency and the implementation of eco-sustainable and natural materials.
"Compared to Italy, where my work as a residential architect has often had to do with the existing cultural heritage, and therefore, restorations, renovations, small extensions, here in Melbourne there is a lot of experimentation. On the other hand, however , I noticed a big lack in terms of energy saving", explained Francesco.
"Terra!", this is the name chosen by the architect for his studio. "I wanted a name that worked well in both Italian and English, but which, most of all, represented my origins. Italy, in fact, clearly emerges in my design". A name, among other things, which perfectly represents Francesco's modus operandi, which aims to create structures that take care of our planet, and which therefore result from use of materials that come from the earth, natural.
In fact, the materials used by Francesco include clay, stone and even straw. "I try in every way to use non-artificial and non-chemical materials, not just to encourage energy efficiency systems, but also to safeguard our health". The choice of materials also reflects his taste and his "proud Italian" nature. It is no coincidence that one of the elements that most distinguishes Francesco's design is the exposed, made of stone and very common in Italy, but almost completely non-existent in Australia. "There are some very competent craftsmen here, and I am using their help to spread this Italian language.
Other elements are the internal exposed wood, and in particular, the beams. Beyond this, Francesco's design aims to construct buildings that enjoy greater stability and durability, avoiding the construction of structures that will end up being demolished within a few decades. One of the key points of the structural philosophy of "Terra!", in fact, pushes towards passive construction, rather than massive construction. "What's the point of having four bedrooms if the family is made up of only two people? Better to focus on the passive, and therefore on insulation, on energy efficiency, on the right orientation of the house, on the use of solar energy as a source in short, fewer rooms, but decidedly more functional and more sustainable for the environment".
Contact us to find out how TERRA! can bring your vision to life. We accept expressions of interest in Melbourne and around Australia.