| Jacques
and Savin Couelle
Architects of the Costa Smeralda |
This
brilliant father and son pair of artists and architects, has played a
crucial role in the development of the Costa Smeralda style of
architecture. They have produced a real masterpiece of art, which has
become famous in the world, the Hotel Cala di Volpe, which on the outside
appears to be an ancient Mediterranean fishing village, whereas on the
inside it is a modern creation of surreal architecture, which envelops and
stimulates the spirit of its visitors.
Jacques Couelle
The
very eclectic Jacques Couelle, who was companion to Pablo Picasso and
Salvador Dalě, was granted Honorary Membership at the Académie des
Beaux-Arts of the Institut de France, for his artistic prowess. Brought to
the Costa Smeralda by the Aga Khan, Jacques chose for his abode the rocky
outcrop at Monte Mannu, towering over Abbiadori and the Cala di Volpe bay,
where he built a sculptured home amongst the rocks. After a long and
brilliant career, he passed away at the age of 95.
Savin Couelle
Savin
Couelle, of no inferior status to his father in artistic talents, has
continued working in the Costa Smeralda, with a prolific production of
fascinating villas, so much so that he has almost become a myth amongst
“Couelle” aficionados. Many a potential home-buyer has entered an
estate agency in Porto Cervo seeking only and nothing but, a “Couelle
Villa”.
Savin’s
homes are full of curves, vaulted ceilings, twisted juniper beams,
peculiar niches and many elaborate details, built by hand-picked excellent
local artisans, utilising special, rare materials. The result is more
often a sculpture rather than architecture, unless this style is to be
considered a precursor of future architecture, much has it been copied,
with varying degrees of success by other qualified and often unqualified
imitators.
Apart
from the Hotel Cala di Volpe, Savin Couelle has designed the “Maison du
Port” on the old port of Porto Cervo and the nearby “Capitaneria”
apartments, the “Cala Corallina” and "Il Poggio" villas at Cala Granu,
the village of Alba Ruja at Liscia di Vacca, the villas of Pteramanna and many, many
other splendid villas scattered here and there over the Costa Smeralda.
In
appreciation of the hospitality and friendship of the Sardinian people,
Savin donated his professional talents for the creation of a convent at
Nuoro, adding another Couelle masterpiece to enhance the Sardinian
landscape.
He
has often been called to other nations around the world to design
important palaces for princes and magnates, where he regularly brings his
team of Sardinian craftsmen, who are the only ones who can interpret his
wishes and satisfy his demanding attention to artistic detail.
In
the words of Anna Wakhevitch-Corsy:
"Savin Couëlle’s
style is not just a design that sets one dreaming; it is also a display of
real technical know-how and mastery in the use of materials. Il creates an
interrelationship between exterior and interior, it rationalizes space and
gives an expression of grandeur even in the most restricted places.
Copyright L. Camillo 2000