# Contrasting Facade Clad Apartments Messner Architets Designs the RVTK Apartments in Italy By Amy Duong | Published 2024-06-20 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rvtk References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2024/06/15/messner-architects-rvtk-apartments-italy/) & [messnerarchitects](https://www.messnerarchitects.com/en/)  Italian design studio Messner Architects extends and updates a home located in South Tyrol with the RVTK project. There are three apartments that are formed and each one has a contrasting exterior finish in the form of plaster, wood, and metal. It overlooks the town of Silandro and was originally constructed in 1978 resting on a [sloped site](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-bm) that has a partially sunken floor at the base. Messner Architects speaks to Dezeen, stating "Due to urban limitations, the only possibility to expand the existing volume was mainly the [reconstruction of the existing attic floor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omarama-attic), resulting in its elevation by another half-story and the addition of a roof deck. The original layout and the spatial organisation has broadly been preserved, with [three separate apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atelierzero) spread over three and a half floors." Image Credit: Karina Castro ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 43% | Activity: 16% | Freshness: 25% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Contrasting Facade Design:** Using diverse materials like plaster, wood, and metal for exterior finishes can create visually unique buildings that stand out in urban settings. - **Vertical Space Optimization:** Reconstructing attic spaces and adding roof decks maximizes limited urban space, allowing for modern enhancements without expanding the building footprint. - **Partially Sunken Structures:** Designing buildings with partially sunken floors offers innovative solutions for building on sloped terrains while maintaining aesthetic appeal. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** New techniques in facade design and vertical space utilization revolutionize urban living spaces. - **Construction:** Advanced construction practices for integrating diverse materials and reconstructing existing structures are setting new industry standards. - **Real Estate Development:** Innovative designs, such as those incorporating sunken floors and roof decks, are reshaping the approach to maximizing property value in space-limited areas. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Italian 4-Story Loft Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-mrgt.md) - [Alpine Complex Renovations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coarch-studio.md) - [Modernized 1960s Villas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/castelli-romani.md) - [Travel-Focused Attic Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omarama.md) - [Reinforced Concrete Housing Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/residenza-carsg.md) - [Reflective Mountain-Based Shelters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shelter-santerpass.md) - [Cool Tonal Stylistic Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/take-time.md) - [Transformed Minimal Artist Residency](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quadrodesign.md) - [Contemporary Ski Home Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/traditional-ski-chalet.md)