ᐅ Elegant Residential Home in Roman Style – Who Builds This Kind of House?
Created on: 1 Oct 2018 03:07
M
MarcVillet
Hello,
This is my first attempt to openly discuss a topic that may seem somewhat unusual to many. I hope I have chosen the right forum to present my concern. However, if this is not the appropriate place, I would appreciate suggestions on where this topic would be best addressed and apologize for any inconvenience.
Before I go into more detail, I would like to mention that I am still a relatively young co-owner of a small partnership at 24 years old and do not yet have fully developed plans for my dream project. However, I am reaching an age where I want to learn more about realistic possibilities, which is why I chose this forum. I am certainly far from my dream both financially and in terms of planning, and this inquiry is purely exploratory, to understand whom I should contact and what the limits of such a project might be. To start properly:
For many years, I have been fascinated by ancient architecture, whether through virtual reconstructions, still existing buildings like the Pantheon in Rome or the Maison Carrée in Nîmes, or neoclassical replicas such as La Madeleine in Paris. Of course, there are many other styles that also have their charm, but I have always wondered why so little is built today in this style. Early on, the dream arose to someday build my own home in a classical Roman style.
It is important to me that it be made from noble materials (Corinthian columns, frescoes, marble floors, mosaics, sculptures, etc.) as was the case with the ancient originals and, if possible, has an authentic, contemporary design while being adapted to modern living. Despite all the grandeur, I want to keep it as modest and small as possible since I could certainly never afford a large villa and want to keep it within realistic limits. I would be satisfied with a small building as a life goal; ideally, it would be large enough to include a small atrium with an inspiring garden.
My main questions are: How realistic is such a project today? If it is possible, who should I contact to pursue it? I would truly appreciate any advice I can get, as I have been researching on and off for several years but feel stuck.
Thank you in advance for any help you can provide! I am happy to answer any further questions.
This is my first attempt to openly discuss a topic that may seem somewhat unusual to many. I hope I have chosen the right forum to present my concern. However, if this is not the appropriate place, I would appreciate suggestions on where this topic would be best addressed and apologize for any inconvenience.
Before I go into more detail, I would like to mention that I am still a relatively young co-owner of a small partnership at 24 years old and do not yet have fully developed plans for my dream project. However, I am reaching an age where I want to learn more about realistic possibilities, which is why I chose this forum. I am certainly far from my dream both financially and in terms of planning, and this inquiry is purely exploratory, to understand whom I should contact and what the limits of such a project might be. To start properly:
For many years, I have been fascinated by ancient architecture, whether through virtual reconstructions, still existing buildings like the Pantheon in Rome or the Maison Carrée in Nîmes, or neoclassical replicas such as La Madeleine in Paris. Of course, there are many other styles that also have their charm, but I have always wondered why so little is built today in this style. Early on, the dream arose to someday build my own home in a classical Roman style.
It is important to me that it be made from noble materials (Corinthian columns, frescoes, marble floors, mosaics, sculptures, etc.) as was the case with the ancient originals and, if possible, has an authentic, contemporary design while being adapted to modern living. Despite all the grandeur, I want to keep it as modest and small as possible since I could certainly never afford a large villa and want to keep it within realistic limits. I would be satisfied with a small building as a life goal; ideally, it would be large enough to include a small atrium with an inspiring garden.
My main questions are: How realistic is such a project today? If it is possible, who should I contact to pursue it? I would truly appreciate any advice I can get, as I have been researching on and off for several years but feel stuck.
Thank you in advance for any help you can provide! I am happy to answer any further questions.
montessalet3 Oct 2018 14:4311ant schrieb:
Well, then... 🙂
After all, "flat roof white matte" really has more to do with "Bauhaus" than dressing bay windows in tiered skirts with "Tuscany." Still, I find it a regrettable oversimplification to think of "Bauhaus" only in terms of the Masters’ Houses (while ignoring, for example, the Weißenhof Estate). Besides, it wasn’t just architecture that was taught there, but also textile design, stage design, typography, and more. And you can’t draw a sharp line between Bauhaus and De Stijl, or between Gropius and Le Corbusier on one side and Loos or Taut on the other.To put it differently—but this is just my opinion. In the end, everyone has to decide for themselves what they want—when building a house, choosing furniture, picking a job, or selecting a partner...
M
MarcVillet3 Oct 2018 18:20First of all, many thanks for the truly numerous contributions on this topic!
First, I want to apologize for only now being able to write again about this subject. I have been quite busy the last few days and, unfortunately, I won’t always be able to respond immediately in the future. In the following, I would like to address a few posts in more detail:
Thank you very much for this advice! I have to admit that I am completely new to this subject and also live quite remotely in the countryside. On which websites can one best find contacts for sculptors, restorers, and suitable architects?
Certainly, I do not plan to overdo the style elements of the temple buildings I mentioned inside a planned small residential building. A more representative model for my building idea would probably be something like the House of the Vettii in Pompeii. For example, I could imagine Corinthian columns like there used as a colonnade for what I called the “atrium” in modern terms, i.e., the courtyard. I would not want to exaggerate with frescoes and sculptures, but a few sculptures in the atrium and some smaller ones in the bathroom or other rooms, a few frescoes in the living area, mosaics in the bathroom or something similar—but of course scaled to the size of the house and the budget. I am quite flexible regarding the amount of style elements and willing to adapt, as long as the materials remain high quality.
Regarding the building permit/planning permission, I would have to inform myself first. As I said, I live in a very sparsely populated area (about 200 people in the village), but due to my profession, I am flexible and could move to a suitable location for my building as long as building in Roman or neoclassical style is allowed somewhere in Germany.
I apologize for my choice of terms here; I used “atrium” in the modern sense for the courtyard, as seen in the House of the Vettii in Pompeii, because I was not aware that many people in this forum are familiar with ancient terminology, which I myself, despite being interested in history, unfortunately do not fully master.
Where exactly can one best find out about the legal building situation in their own area, ideally online, without having to visit authorities? As a last resort, I would only need to know where §34 is not effective since it should be quite possible for me to relocate. However, giving up noble materials is out of the question; I am willing to reduce the number of style elements but never compromise on quality.
I totally understand and am not a fan of such clashing mixed-style areas either. Unfortunately, I do not know a town or village that completely embraces my desired style, so I had planned to build more in a quiet and idyllic area with plenty of nature, where the style would not clash with others—basically a modest rural villa like one often finds in unpopulated areas of Italy.
Well, I myself live quite close to the Limes, where the Romans also built in their style. Certainly, the climate was probably warmer then than today, but I have also planned, in some aspects, to adapt the house to modern standards—at least where it benefits progress and does not clash with the style. I am also willing to relocate further south in the German-speaking area in the long term for my dream, if necessary.
Of course, the amount of high-quality material will have to be adapted to the budget available to me at that time. It would be enough if I could realize my dream later in life and use it as a retirement residence. I am willing to accept some sacrifices and live very minimally until the right time. Still, I think it’s about time to get more accurate cost information so my ideas are not too vague anymore. For that, I need contacts.
Well, I have traveled to several architectural places matching my interest and was so enthusiastic about this style that I made it a definite goal to build something like that myself. Clubs certainly have their appeal but require a lot of time, which I do not have.
I think, however, that we no longer live in an era defined by a single style. New buildings of various styles can be found everywhere, sometimes very clashing together, as already mentioned above. Personally, I think this style does not get nearly enough attention nowadays for the beauty it conveys. However, this is just my personal opinion and probably also related to cost factors.
Besides the fact that the Romans had an unparalleled advanced water supply system, prioritized hygiene, had very cheap public baths accessible to all social classes, and an absolutely revolutionary sewage system (it is believed there was no odor in Roman cities—people mocked nearly every sin of a city in their plays, no matter how small, but never the smell!), and only reached a comparable level again in the 19th century, many years after Rome’s fall, I want to mention that I perceive this statement as slightly sarcastic and mocking and would kindly ask to refrain from such remarks.
Well, please... I am of course aware which buildings these are and that they do not represent living space. I mentioned these examples in connection with what has fascinated and inspired me on my many travels, which ultimately led to my dream (although I could imagine today building more public buildings in a similar style, like baths or libraries for the public instead of gray standardized buildings, but that’s just my personal opinion).
Regarding my ideas, I agree that more ancient examples like numerous houses in Pompeii would be more appropriate; see my answers above.
Many thanks for the understanding and acceptance of my dream build! I know this probably came across as strange or, to put it kindly, odd to many here, but it has been my dream for years, one I seriously want to pursue. I am happy to adapt the amount of precious materials to the house size and budget. I am not planning a crazy temple replica or an exaggerated grand villa, nor a 1:1 historical reconstruction of a Roman house. Some things have to be adapted to modern times, as long as they don’t clash with the style.
First, I want to apologize for only now being able to write again about this subject. I have been quite busy the last few days and, unfortunately, I won’t always be able to respond immediately in the future. In the following, I would like to address a few posts in more detail:
matte1987 schrieb:
...I would probably try my luck with restorers and sculptors. They can surely give you further contacts so you head in the right direction.
Ultimately, something this extravagant comes down to building with an architect who ideally can realize the design themselves and is knowledgeable about the subject. So I would probably start looking in that direction first.
Thank you very much for this advice! I have to admit that I am completely new to this subject and also live quite remotely in the countryside. On which websites can one best find contacts for sculptors, restorers, and suitable architects?
Climbee schrieb:
The question is whether a small house and that style are compatible. Honestly, I don’t think so. The style elements you mentioned were only used in ancient Rome by those who could build grand and representative buildings. Those who had to build small lived quite simply. Without Corinthian columns, frescoes, and sculptures. Usually very simple, rectangular forms. Typically, I would expect a courtyard, a so-called patio.
Whether that makes sense here and is feasible (building permit/planning permission!) is another matter.
I remember a dream house from the TV series of the same name by BR, which had a modern courtyard. It was very stylish!
You can definitely implement mosaics in the bathroom area (ancient Rome offers much inspiration here), frescoes can beautify a living area or a patio.
You can always use marble tiles (and they are quite comfortable when combined with underfloor heating in our regions; after all, the ancient Romans invented underfloor heating!)
Overall, with a small building project, I would use the style elements very sparingly. In ancient Rome, only those living on the Palatine Hill and other noble areas had columns. The average Roman among the hills did not ;-).
And you will often have to deal with a predetermined building plan. If it requires a pitched roof with a slope of 28°-40°, achieving the Roman ambiance is difficult, at least from the outside.
Certainly, I do not plan to overdo the style elements of the temple buildings I mentioned inside a planned small residential building. A more representative model for my building idea would probably be something like the House of the Vettii in Pompeii. For example, I could imagine Corinthian columns like there used as a colonnade for what I called the “atrium” in modern terms, i.e., the courtyard. I would not want to exaggerate with frescoes and sculptures, but a few sculptures in the atrium and some smaller ones in the bathroom or other rooms, a few frescoes in the living area, mosaics in the bathroom or something similar—but of course scaled to the size of the house and the budget. I am quite flexible regarding the amount of style elements and willing to adapt, as long as the materials remain high quality.
Regarding the building permit/planning permission, I would have to inform myself first. As I said, I live in a very sparsely populated area (about 200 people in the village), but due to my profession, I am flexible and could move to a suitable location for my building as long as building in Roman or neoclassical style is allowed somewhere in Germany.
11ant schrieb:
By the way, an atrium usually includes an impluvium, and the hortus is a separate, additional part.
I apologize for my choice of terms here; I used “atrium” in the modern sense for the courtyard, as seen in the House of the Vettii in Pompeii, because I was not aware that many people in this forum are familiar with ancient terminology, which I myself, despite being interested in history, unfortunately do not fully master.
11ant schrieb:
...whereas the dealbreaker is that Corinthian columns are often ruled out in §34 areas. If you were willing to forego noble materials, the range of options would be significantly broader, though not in Germany: in the USA (or in Russia as the future leading nation for nouveau riche baroque), a “Disneyland architect” can more easily find their shopping paradises. However, you mustn’t mind if it’s hollow facades—culture as injection-molded product (often in, to say the least, non-classical proportions) is quite popular with Uncle Sam.
Where exactly can one best find out about the legal building situation in their own area, ideally online, without having to visit authorities? As a last resort, I would only need to know where §34 is not effective since it should be quite possible for me to relocate. However, giving up noble materials is out of the question; I am willing to reduce the number of style elements but never compromise on quality.
kaho674 schrieb:
Thankfully, there are building permits/planning permissions. What would towns and villages look like if everyone built whatever they wanted?! I already find it annoying when a log cabin suddenly stands next to plastered facades.
My dad has such a neighbor, with a garden full of life-sized statues, columns, and amphoras. The neighbor next door counters with a crowd of garden gnomes and glowing flowers. If aliens watched us, they’d think we’re all crazy. 😀
I totally understand and am not a fan of such clashing mixed-style areas either. Unfortunately, I do not know a town or village that completely embraces my desired style, so I had planned to build more in a quiet and idyllic area with plenty of nature, where the style would not clash with others—basically a modest rural villa like one often finds in unpopulated areas of Italy.
Kekse schrieb:
Roman architecture was (besides showing wealth) the way it was because it suited the Roman climate well. That might fit fairly well in the South Palatinate vineyards but would look odd and probably not work well here in northern Germany, I think.
Well, I myself live quite close to the Limes, where the Romans also built in their style. Certainly, the climate was probably warmer then than today, but I have also planned, in some aspects, to adapt the house to modern standards—at least where it benefits progress and does not clash with the style. I am also willing to relocate further south in the German-speaking area in the long term for my dream, if necessary.
ypg schrieb:
However, you have to pay for noble materials even on a small plot, which you mentioned. Just the “material” alone is a large cost factor, even if only used in small amounts.
Of course, the amount of high-quality material will have to be adapted to the budget available to me at that time. It would be enough if I could realize my dream later in life and use it as a retirement residence. I am willing to accept some sacrifices and live very minimally until the right time. Still, I think it’s about time to get more accurate cost information so my ideas are not too vague anymore. For that, I need contacts.
ypg schrieb:
I would say: you can like many things and have a passion for this or that, but you don’t have to have everything.
That’s what hobbies are for. Many people join medieval clubs because they have an affinity for that era. Spending your vacation in a tent or hut like it was back then has its charm. But hardly anyone would want to organize their whole life around it 😉
Well, I have traveled to several architectural places matching my interest and was so enthusiastic about this style that I made it a definite goal to build something like that myself. Clubs certainly have their appeal but require a lot of time, which I do not have.
ypg schrieb:
That’s because every style has its time. And we are definitely not living in ancient Roman times.
I think, however, that we no longer live in an era defined by a single style. New buildings of various styles can be found everywhere, sometimes very clashing together, as already mentioned above. Personally, I think this style does not get nearly enough attention nowadays for the beauty it conveys. However, this is just my personal opinion and probably also related to cost factors.
Obstlerbaum schrieb:
Good question, I wonder too. Even the central street sewer and the gladiator games are gone...
Besides the fact that the Romans had an unparalleled advanced water supply system, prioritized hygiene, had very cheap public baths accessible to all social classes, and an absolutely revolutionary sewage system (it is believed there was no odor in Roman cities—people mocked nearly every sin of a city in their plays, no matter how small, but never the smell!), and only reached a comparable level again in the 19th century, many years after Rome’s fall, I want to mention that I perceive this statement as slightly sarcastic and mocking and would kindly ask to refrain from such remarks.
ypg schrieb:
Those were definitely not residential buildings back then. Haha... people didn’t live in religious buildings, don’t live in churches now, and presumably won’t live in St. Mary’s churches later either.
Well, please... I am of course aware which buildings these are and that they do not represent living space. I mentioned these examples in connection with what has fascinated and inspired me on my many travels, which ultimately led to my dream (although I could imagine today building more public buildings in a similar style, like baths or libraries for the public instead of gray standardized buildings, but that’s just my personal opinion).
Regarding my ideas, I agree that more ancient examples like numerous houses in Pompeii would be more appropriate; see my answers above.
Mottenhausen schrieb:
Anyway, it would be an interesting project!
What is sold nowadays as “Bauhaus style” has nothing to do with the Bauhaus itself or the original concept behind the master houses in Dessau. Large windows and white facades seem to be enough proof for builders: yes, we build in Bauhaus style. So, I wouldn’t mind if someone equips a Mediterranean city villa from a catalog’s facade with various historical design elements of ancient Rome and creates their own Roman house. Please don’t immediately judge it negatively!
Many thanks for the understanding and acceptance of my dream build! I know this probably came across as strange or, to put it kindly, odd to many here, but it has been my dream for years, one I seriously want to pursue. I am happy to adapt the amount of precious materials to the house size and budget. I am not planning a crazy temple replica or an exaggerated grand villa, nor a 1:1 historical reconstruction of a Roman house. Some things have to be adapted to modern times, as long as they don’t clash with the style.
MarcVillet schrieb:
I presented these examples more in connection with what has fascinated and inspired me on my many travels and ultimately led to my dreamThat sounds great as a summary for a novel about a fulfilling life 😉
M
MarcVillet3 Oct 2018 23:54ypg schrieb:
That sounds great as a summary for a novel about a fulfilling life 😉 Not completely off the mark, I also write as a hobby in my spare time, as much as I can manage, though lately less often.
MarcVillet schrieb:
Where is the best place to find out about the legal building situation in your own area, [...] in case of emergency, I just need to know where §34 is not applicable, Try searching on the website of your local municipal or city government for "development plan" or "zoning plan". Where one of these exists, it automatically replaces the more flexible but legally less certain insertion requirement of §34.
MarcVillet schrieb:
If necessary, I would also be satisfied to realize my dream later in life and use it as a retirement residence. If at 24 years old, as a self-employed person, you are willing to postpone fulfilling your dream that far, you might want to reconsider having an employed position for now. Being self-employed requires a certain drive and determination.
As much as I appreciate consistent authenticity: today’s Romans speak Italian, no longer wear togas, eat sitting down, write the letters k, z, and w as well as c and v, and even use Arabic numerals.
If you browse through, for example, the work of H. Bienefeld, you may come across adaptations of your preferred architectural style that are compatible with present times. It’s better to compromise on the strictness of the stylistic purity than on the scale and proportions (where, in my opinion, it hurts more).
Imagine you are a Bauhaus fan: what would remain of a Villa Tugendhat if you only had a 600 sqm (about 6,460 sq ft) plot of land for it (and today, owning that would already make you feel like royalty!).
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
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