Turning challenges into creative opportunities

Nestled in the Dolomites in Italy, Domus Dolomiti is a bold example of how creative design can overcome challenges, blending experimentation with innovation. Set on a small plot with limited privacy, FABRICations transformed these constraints into opportunities, resulting in a home that integrates harmoniously with its surroundings while offering unexpected spatial experiences inside.

At the heart of this project is our approach: a process of exploration where ideas are tested and refined to create something new. In conversation with Eric Frijters, founding partner and director of FABRICations, and architectural designer Chiara Tobia, we discussed how this comes to life, with the Domus Dolomiti project serving as a great example.

Domus Dolomiti North view

Enter Domus Dolomiti

Domus Dolomiti is a work in progress that will be realised next year. It is a unique home located at the foot of the Dolomite mountains, surrounded by beautiful views but facing challenges like a small plot, little privacy and close neighbours. The design takes these constraints and turns them into opportunities. Individual rooms will be stacked as a pile of rocks that is captured in a wooden frame that looks similar  to other homes in the area. Inside, the spaces between these blocks will create a surprising open core — a large central area known as ‘the cave’, creating a sense of endless space developing from the ground floor up all the way up to the top of the house. The house filters natural light in a unique way, allowing it to enter through unexpected corners. The leftover spaces in between piles of rooms allows light deep in the heart of the ‘cave’. At the lower level, the design preserves the organic landscape, in a way connecting the house to the Dolomites. "It lets you experience the landscape of the Dolomites as if you're walking atop the rocks themselves”, says Eric.

Domus Dolomiti 3D ‘cave’ showcase.

Designing the unexpected

How does such an exquisite design come into play? As Eric explains: “During our approach 90% of the work is being thrown away”. This is applied across all four areas of expertise at FABRICations: architecture, landscape design, urban planning, and regional strategy.

“For us, the path to a final design involves extensive trial and error. We create multiple scenarios and perspectives for each project, testing different ideas to explore a range of possible outcomes – a method commonly used in architecture. From these experiments, we select the best solutions and combine them into a new, hybrid design that blends the strengths of each trial.” 

What sets the design of Domus Dolomiti apart from others in the field is the  ability to create spaces that feel ever-evolving. These spaces can’t be fully captured in a single photograph, sparking curiosity and a desire to explore further, as if you’re always going to discover something new. As Eric explains, the goal is to design environments that keep you coming back for more. This continuous exploration of space is not only a trademark of our design but also a measure of success – a space that intrigues and invites you to experience it again and again.

“During our approach 90% of the work is being thrown away”

- Eric Frijters

Duintuin shares some similar features, but its key characteristic is how the design blends architecture with the landscape. The concept is inspired by the works of Italian artist Fontana, who would spend hours concentrating on his canvas before suddenly making a series of cuts. The tension in the fabric causes it to curl, transforming the flat, two-dimensional painting into a three-dimensional, almost sculptural form. This is the approach we take with Duintuin: by "cutting" into the land, we create space for architecture to emerge. The house combines sharp, transparent forms with soft, organic curves, creating a visual tension that sparks curiosity. Situated in the dunes, it connects with the surrounding landscape and materials. Initially shapeless, the structure gradually takes form over time, much like the dunes themselves.

Duintuin

For Domus Dolomiti, we took the perspective of designing a family home, with a focus on privacy and blending into the neighbourhood. While spacious inside, the house was designed to look like its neighbours from the outside, fitting naturally into the environment. Despite its relatively small plot, the house also maximises its outdoor space. Through testing different design scenarios, we achieved surprising and diverse interiors. The house is wrapped in an ‘envelope’ that appears modest and fitting in the context, but inside, it unfolds into a much more varied and unexpected space. The goal is to maintain a continuous connection with the surrounding landscape, while intentionally introducing ‘accidents’ — elements of surprise that lead to innovative outcomes. “During the process it is very interesting to see how to also make those little things more human, more tactile, more comprehensive”, adds Chiara.

Domus Dolomiti diagram, showcasing the wrapping in an ‘envelope’.

As Eric explains, true innovation comes from mixing different ideas and perspectives. “You can only create what you’ve already seen or what you think is beautiful. To create something truly new, you have to combine different outcomes and embrace the unexpected. The key is to break away from predictable results and create new hybrids. Once you solve the problems these hybrids create, you have something that didn’t exist before.” 

By using this methodical approach, we balance control over proven design elements with the freedom to experiment, allowing us to create something truly unique. Our ability to play with material contrasts and unexpected combinations is what makes our work exciting and distinctive. 

Beyond standards: sustainability through local sourcing

As leaders in sustainable urbanisation, we address some of today's most pressing challenges, including energy transitions, climate adaptation, and the use of sustainable materials. To minimise environmental impact, we prioritise sourcing materials locally, with all suppliers for our projects located within an approximately 20 km radius. By reducing transportation distances, we significantly lower CO2 emissions. For Domus Dolomiti, this means using locally sourced wood and concrete from nearby factories, creating a sustainable home built by local craftsmen using regional technologies. This approach blends ‘foreign’ architectural design with local craftsmanship, fostering collaboration with the community while also reducing material transport costs.

Contrasting materials, like concrete, wood, textiles and leather are also used to create a surprisingly soothing balance. This approach is central to many of our projects, including Domus Dolomiti, where both materials were carefully integrated into the design of the house. While concrete is rough and cold, the warm tones of wood soften this contrast, making spaces like the ‘cave’ feel cosy despite its chilly name. The design also plays with colours that share a similar palette but have different temperatures, adding warmth and depth to the space. The way light enters the house at unexpected times further enhances the atmosphere, making the space feel dynamic and full of surprises. The result is a home that feels both spacious and intimate at the same time.