Materials that belong to the landscape

Natural materials have a particular quality that is difficult to reproduce artificially. They age, change with the light and develop character over time.

Stone is one of the most important elements in the architecture of Central Italy. Travertine, for example, can bring a quiet richness to floors and bathrooms while remaining tactile and understated. In the right setting, it feels contemporary without competing with the historic character of the building.

For walls, limewash creates a softer alternative to conventional painted surfaces. Its subtle variations and natural texture allow walls to retain a sense of depth, rather than appearing perfectly uniform.

Timber brings another layer of warmth. Chestnut wood, traditionally associated with the architecture of the region, can be used for beams, joinery and windows, connecting new interventions with the craftsmanship of the existing building.

The importance of colour

Natural materials also provide the foundation for a restrained colour palette.

White, beige, dark brown and light terracotta create an understated relationship between the interior and the surrounding landscape. Rather than relying on strong colours, the character comes from the variations within the materials themselves.

Terracotta is particularly important in Umbrian architecture. Used for external flooring and architectural details, it introduces warmth while referencing the traditional material language of rural Italy.

Details matter

The most successful interiors are rarely defined by one material. They are created through the relationship between many carefully selected elements.

Bronze and dark bronze can introduce a subtle contemporary note through taps, mixers, switches, sockets and lighting. Copper can be used for practical architectural elements such as gutters and rainwater pipes, allowing even functional components to contribute to the overall character of the building.

The result is not a reproduction of the past, nor an entirely contemporary intervention. It is a dialogue between the two.

Restoring a sense of place

For us, using natural materials in an Umbrian home is ultimately about more than aesthetics.

It is about creating a connection between the building, its history and the landscape around it.

A stone floor can echo the colours of the hills. Limewashed walls can capture the changing light. Chestnut timber can recall the craftsmanship of the original structure. Terracotta can connect an interior to the traditional architecture of the region.

These materials do not need to compete for attention. Their strength lies in their simplicity.

When carefully combined, they create interiors that feel calm, authentic and timeless — spaces that belong not only to the house, but to Umbria itself.

Designing Homes Rooted in Umbria

At Riccardo Vicarelli Architects, our approach to restoring and transforming homes in Umbria is grounded in a respect for the existing architecture and its surroundings. We combine contemporary living with traditional materials, craftsmanship and a strong understanding of the character of the Umbrian landscape.

The objective is not simply to renovate an old house, but to create a home that feels as though it has always belonged there.