Renovation of a barn in northern Italy

Nestled within a historic 15th-century hamlet, this project reimagines a rural complex composed of three distinct volumes: the main living quarters, a working building (Ara and barn), and a small detached farmhouse. All structures rest on vaulted basement levels, which will preserve their original function as spaces for storage and food preservation. The brief called for two generous apartments and a smaller unit intended for temporary accommodation. The entrance remains through the original main doorway, maintaining the spatial sequence and historical layering of the site. The initial threshold is the former Ara, a space that retains its original staircase and will undergo minimal intervention. It is conceived as a transitional and communal area—where everyday life begins and ends—dedicated to removing shoes and outerwear, embracing the idea of a gentle separation between exterior and interior life. A staircase leads from the Ara to the first shared patio, which acts as a light well and a connective space between the two main apartments. This courtyard, functioning also as a soglia, brings daylight into both kitchens and serves as a semi-private zone for informal gatherings. The spatial organisation is designed to guide the visitor through a gradual transition from collective to private. As one moves deeper into the building, spaces become increasingly intimate. From the shared courtyard, the apartments diverge. The northeast-facing unit features a second, double-height patio—again conceived as a vertical light well and spatial hinge. It distributes natural light and serves as an atmospheric core around which the interior unfolds. Circulation throughout the project is never reduced to mere movement. Pathways and thresholds are treated as spatial opportunities—flexible zones that enrich daily routines and accommodate a range of uses over time.