Villa Otto: A Masterpiece of Feng Shui Inspired Design

Massimo Mercurio's Award-Winning Fusion of Tradition and Futurism

The design of Villa Otto was driven by the enthusiasm of the client for feng shui. The footprint of the building is shaped like the number eight, which is not only auspicious but also celebrates the beauty of fundamental geometries. The home is set against a forest backdrop, reinforcing the feng shui principle of stability. The curvaceous interlocking of two circular pavilions, each with an internal courtyard or atrium in the middle, emphasises the form and draws light down into the building. Even the interior decor is consistent with the architectural fluidity of the villa. The lighting fixtures, tables, couches, and tubs display the distinctive curvaceous feature harking to the eight form of the house.

Tradition embraces modernity through floor to ceiling glass windows, stainless steel cladding, and outward thrusting walls and canopies that conjure the image of a spacecraft. The spectacular eight shaped stainless steel cladding was forged and welded into one single piece to achieve a seamless effect. The continuation of fluidity is also asserted through the various stainless steel sculptures and radial canopy by the pool. Special CNC machines were used to cut travertine into 3D curved and conical shapes.

The basement of Villa Otto has an underground carpark. It has a cruciform plan with a lounge at the point where the two axes intersect. Also here are a karaoke room, laundry, sauna, spa and shower room, as well as a bar, wine cellar and home theatre. On the ground level are two dining rooms, a living room and a lounge leading out to the pool. The second story has two junior bedrooms, two guest bedrooms, a prayer room, study and game room and a master suite of about 500 square meters.

Villa Otto began construction in 2010 and was completed in July 2015. The research for Villa Otto was mainly driven by the ancient Chinese philosophy of feng shui, which was responsible for the number eight shape of Villa Otto, an auspicious figure in Chinese culture. The positioning of the home is also influenced ideologically by feng shui; its back faces a wide landscape of forestry, reinforcing the belief of stability when bolstered by a sturdy support.

With a shape following an auspicious symbol in feng shui, the design thus commands an application of the philosophy. A feng shui master needed to approve the design, and in particular, the layout planning. Architectural principles and feng shui theories had to be woven seamlessly. This Design was awarded Silver in A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2019. Silver A' Design Award: Rewarded to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. These designs, admired for their strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, showcase a remarkable level of excellence and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.