During his time in Italy, Theodore Waddell absorbed the fundamental principles of organic architecture and contextual design under the guidance of Leonardo Ricci, a pioneer in using architecture as a tool for social and cultural expression. This influence is clearly visible in the Waddell Villa project, where every architectural element is designed to interact with the surrounding environment, respecting the history and landscape of Fiesole.
The villa is distinguished by the use of local materials, such as pietra serena stone and wood, which contribute to creating a visual and tactile connection with the Tuscan tradition. The spacious interiors and exteriors, large windows, and careful solar orientation allow for a perfect integration between indoor and outdoor spaces, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and the city of Florence.
Waddell Villa is not only an example of architectural mastery but also a tribute to the formative influence of Leonardo Ricci and Waddell's academic experience in Florence. The villa reflects a design philosophy that values harmony with nature, sustainability, and timeless beauty.
Waddell Villa in Fiesole is an extraordinary architectural work created by the talented American architect Theodore Waddell, a student of the renowned architect Leonardo Ricci. Located on the hills of Fiesole, this villa represents a harmonious synthesis of contemporary innovation and Tuscan architectural tradition, born from Waddell's intensive studies in Florence.
As a result of a singular renovation intervention, the Waddell House is built on the site of a colonial structure on which the architect intervened with great freedom. The layout develops following the line of maximum slope of the property and seeks to resolve the changes in elevation by sliding the floors downhill. The apartment, distributed over three levels, is accessed from above. The plans, rectangular in nature, are the result of an organic research that forces their rigid geometric layout in an attempt to make them conform to the variations of the terrain. The issue of the rigidity and closure of the masonry box is addressed again in the section, where vertical partitions are minimized to allow greater horizontal continuity of the space. The facades combine elements drawn from tradition with those derived from modernity: new materials, crafted by hand, are juxtaposed with old ones with notable sensitivity, allowing the American architect to achieve interesting expressive results.
text by Fabio Capanni
ARCHITETTURA MODERNA A FIESOLE
curatori: Mauro Latini e Riccardo Butini
villa Waddell in Fiesole | architecture itineraries
