< PreviousRenowned Turin-based landscape architect and botanist Cristiana Ruspa has not only transformed the Fiat test track on the industrial monument Lingotto into a green oasis but has also turned her own home into a masterpiece of harmony between nature and design. Her talent for preserving historical elements while adding modern, eco- friendly touches is definitely worth discovering... CASA CRISTIANA IN PIEDMONT A SECRET GARDEN IN TURIN STIANA IN PIEDMONT SECRET ARDEN TURIN urin-based rchitect and stiana Ruspa transformed track on the onument Lingotto oasis but has also wn home into ce of harmony ure and design. or preserving ements while ern, eco- ches is orth .. PHOTOS MONICA SPEZIA/ LIVING INSIDEVON POLL REAL ESTATE | 59 At home with – Cristiana Ruspa A travertine- paved path leads from the entrance of the house to the garden area. The lady of the house and architect discovered her passion for botany many years ago. Cristiana Ruspa’s house is not far from the Mole Antonelliana, the architec- tural landmark of Turin. he residence of Cristiana Rus- pa, which features Art Nou- veau elements, is located in the heart of Turin’s magnifi- cent city centre. Built in the 1930s, the building is situated in a neighbourhood famous for its Liberty architecture, along the route that leads up the hill from the famous Gran Madre church. “You go out the back door, follow the footpath and find yourself in a green oasis. If you couldn’t see the outline of the Mole Antonelliana (symbol of the city) in the distance, you’d think you were in the countryside,” Ruspa says. “I call it the secret garden”, she says, just like her atelierGiardino Segreto. An architect with a passion for gardens As a qualified architect with experience gained abroad on the east coast of the USA and years of practice in Turin with renowned garden designer Paolo Pe- jrone, the Italian has always been pas- sionate about gardens. Together with architect Benedetto Camerana, she re- cently transformed a former Fiat test track in Lingotto into Turin’s new high line. “This is my first public project,” Ruspa says with pride. She selected and cared for the plants for La Pista 500, the impressive botanical garden on the roof of the former factory. Subtle changes for a harmonious home Ruspa belongs to the generation of de- signers who have changed public aware- ness of green spaces. The landscape ar- chitect’s approach is gentle and careful, so as to preserve the natural aesthet- ic. She used this approach to redesign the plant world around her house. As a keen gardener, she applied the same approach to the interior of her small villa. “I have great respect for the ‘spirit of the place’ and am afraid of disturbing it. So I retained as much of it as I could.” The room layout is still almost exactly the same as before; only a small glazed kitchen that overlooks the living room and the bedrooms of the three children has been added. TAt home with – Cristiana Ruspa A touch of white for more light As for the rest, Ruspa only intervened with repairs and a lick of white paint to bring more light into the interior. “When we moved here, the house had retained all its former charm. The high coffered stuccoed ceilings, the wood panelling with integrated furniture, the fireplace, the elegant stained glass windows overlooking the dining room and the veranda with its original iron grilles. But everything was made of dark wood, so the house was very dark inside,” she explains. She made it cosi- er and more relaxed. “At first, we just wanted to brighten up the old wood panelling in the living area. But then I liked it so much that I painted the doors, ceilings and even the floor white.” Floral wallpapers and custom-made furniture She decorated the other walls with wall- paper from Farrow & Ball, Cole & Son, William Morris and even original tapes- tries from the 1950s. Every room has dif- ferent wallpaper, almost all with a floral pattern, of course, in shades of green, View into the living room with bleached original parquet flooring and panelling as well as coffered ceilings from the 1930s. Sofas by Francesco Rota for Paola Lenti.VON POLL REAL ESTATE | 61 At home with – Cristiana Ruspa coral and pale pink. “Maybe it’s because of my job, but I like flowers in all shapes and sizes. Even drawn ones.” Cristiana Ruspa’s love of nature and her dedication to preserving pristine beauty are reflected not only in her own home, but also in her professional projects. Her work in landscape architecture em- bodies her philosophy: respecting the natural environment and integrating it harmoniously into existing structures, which is impressively demonstrated by her successful redesign of the former Fiat test track. Sustainability as a way of life This innovative project represents a significant step in urban greening, of- fering citizens a new opportunity to experience nature in the heart of the city. The carefully selected plants and well thought-out design ensure that Europe’s largest roof garden is not only aesthetically pleasing, but is of ecologi- cal value, too. One further characteristic of Ruspa’s work is her commitment to sustain- able measures. She favours the use of eco-friendly materials and focuses on energy-efficient solutions. In her own garden, she uses rainwater collection systems and maintains a compost heap so as to reduce waste and improve soil quality. All of this also flows into her The magnifi- cent fireplace is one of the highlights in the living room. View of the dining room with custom- made table and chairs by Francesco Rota for Paola Lenti. The love of playing with contrasts and special details is recognisable throughout the house.62 | VON POLL IMMOBILIEN professional projects, making her a pi- oneer in the field of environmentally friendly design. A home full of personal details Her passion for design and nature is also evident in the more minor details of her home. Every corner, every item of furni- ture and every decorative item has been carefully selected and placed to create a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing environment. The floral wallpaper and bespoke furniture reflect her personal aesthetic and help to make her home feel like an extension of her garden. The veranda: a place of relaxation The lovingly renovated veranda is fur- ther proof of her talent for bringing old structures back to life. With its original iron grilles and light, airy curtains, it’s the perfect place to chill out in with family and friends. The veranda offers a direct view of the “secret garden”, which transforms into an extra living room in summer. Cristiana Ruspa’s work and her home are a tribute to the beauty of nature and the importance of sustainability. Her projects, whether public or private, help to raise people’s awareness of the importance of green spaces and sustain- able design. Her story is an inspiring example of how creative thinking and sustainable practices can be used to create beautiful and functional spaces that both respect the environment and improve people’s quality of life. Even in the small bed- room, great attention has been paid to stylish details. Christiana’s home studio with a leather and oak desk by Materia Design, chairs by Maison Gatti. Above: the bright bathroom with a view of the greenery; vanity unit, washbasin and mirror cabinet from Nic Design. The beautifully designed garden area with pavilion; chill-out corner with rattan armchairs by Paola Lenti. At home with – Cristiana RuspaVON POLL REAL ESTATE | 63 “Maybe it’s because of my job, but I like flowers in all shapes and sizes even drawn ones.” At home with – Cristiana Ruspa64 | VON POLL IMMOBILIEN 1 “Genaissance de la Mer The Serum Essence” by La Mer from flaconi.de, approx. €810 2 “Delia” earrings by HORN FACTORY, approx. €3.800 3 “VLogo Bold” belt by Valentino from mytheresa.com, approx. €420 4 “Paige” jacket by Nili Lotan from mytheresa.com, approx. €1,510 5 “Anagram” scarf by LOEWE from mytheresa.com, approx. €490 6 “Le 5 à 7 Bea Large” bag by Yves Saint Laurent from mytheresa.com, approx. €2,890 7 “Calmo” hot water bottle by weich-alpaca.com, approx. €179 EXQUISITE GIFTS FOR LADIES Gift ideas 6 5 2 3 1 4 7VON POLL REAL ESTATE | 65 Gift ideas VON POLL REAL ESTATE | 65 1 “Sulden Elli” wallet by bogner.com, approx. €110 2 Scarf by LOEWE from mytheresa.com, approx. 490 € 3 Beanie by Moncler Grenoble from mytheresa.com, approx. €195 4 “Chronograph Terra” watch by Lilienthal Berlin, approx. €319 5 “Sculptures of Alemee” diffuser by Mabou from raumconceptstore.com, approx. €129 6 “Fun Louis Junior” shoes by Christian Louboutin from mytheresa.com, approx. €795 7 “Bank Light Trunk On Wheels L” suitcase by FPM Milano from mytheresa.com, approx. €900 STYLISH IDEAS FOR GENTS 6 7 5 2 3 1 466 | VON POLL IMMOBILIEN66 | VON POLL IMMOBILIEN 1 Beanie by Brunello Cucinelli Kids from mytheresa.com, approx. €230 2 “Matilda” table lamp by westwing.de, approx. €60 3 “Tic Tac Toe” game by printworksmarket.com, approx. €55 4 Corduroy backpack by Polo Ralph Lauren Kids from mytheresa.com, approx. €110 5 Helmet in navy-blue by banwood.eu, approx. €45 6 DG suede leather sneakers by Dolce&Gabbana Kids from mytheresa.com, approx. €245 7 Dalton beanbag by Icon from maisonsdumonde.com, approx. €90 TRENDS & IDEAS FOR BOYS 1 2 3 4 6 7 5VON POLL REAL ESTATE | 67VON POLL REAL ESTATE | 67 Gift ideas 1 “Lavender Dream” mobile phone case by burga.de, approx. €35 2 “Shibuya” Totepack by horizn-studios.com, approx. €80 3 Photo album by Semikolon from sostrenegrene.com, approx. €40 4 Thermal cup “The Iceflow Flip Straw” by Stanley from arts-outdoors.de, approx. €45 5 “Knot” pillow by Design House Stockholm from connox.de, approx. 142 € 6 “Triple S” sneakers by Balenciaga from mytheresa.com, approx. €450 7 “Kingston” beanbag by Icon from maisonsdumonde.com, approx. €90 HIGHLIGHTS FOR GIRLS 1 2 3 5 7 4 6Next >