Maison Saldarini, Experimental residence in Baratti Gulf, Italy.
Maison Saldarini is an experimental residence with a whale-shaped structure made of thin iron mesh covered in cement, located on the Tuscan coastline. The building features open, flowing interior spaces without traditional walls or roof divisions.
Architect Vittorio Giorgini designed this building in 1962, pioneering membrane structure concepts decades before similar approaches became known elsewhere. The project represented an early application of innovative construction methods on the Italian coast.
The building represents a fusion between natural systems and architecture, reflecting Giorgini's research into organic forms and structural design. This approach influences how visitors perceive and move through the space.
The site sits in a bay along the Tuscan coast and is best viewed from above to understand its unusual form. The location is somewhat remote, so visitors should check the exact location beforehand and allow time to explore the area fully.
The building underwent structural load testing in 1967 to verify its integrity and demonstrate the validity of the innovative construction method. These early tests helped prove the feasibility of membrane structures in construction.
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