Arpa di Pietra

Doing sustainable architecture means not imposing on the territory, but intervening gently to create projects that are in harmony with the surrounding environment. It’s not about disrupting, but rather dialoguing with the elements that already characterize the place where we operate and its peculiarities.

Arpa di pietra was originally a barn with an attached rural house featuring the typical drying structures, horizontal wooden structures where the corn cobs were hung. What dominated the landscape were and still are other horizontal lines, those of the terraced fields, which resemble the strings of a harp (hence the name Arpa di pietra). SEE two photos of the landscape and how the structure looked before. Our studio thus imagined and designed a structure lower than the original, following the line of the terraces and incorporating the pattern of the old drying structures in the design of the balconies. Thanks to these solutions, the agriturismo, despite having a modern style with a strong visual impact, dialogues with history and the territory, becoming a project that enhances and does not erase the past and the features of the place where it is located. However, sustainability is not only about the exterior appearance, but a deeper concept that primarily involves the choice of low environmental impact materials and the use of constructive techniques and technological systems that reduce energy consumption while ensuring a high level of living comfort, as for our studio it’s essential to design buildings that are not only beautiful to look at but beautiful to live in.

Structure and Materials

The building was constructed with a load-bearing structure made of brick, a choice that combines the material’s solidity with effective thermal performance. For external insulation, a wood fiber thermal insulation system was used, ideal for improving thermal and acoustic protection while minimizing energy dispersion. The interiors were designed to provide a healthy and comfortable environment, thanks to the use of hemp insulation: a natural material that, besides being highly breathable, offers high thermal capacity, keeping the spaces cool in summer and warm in winter. This choice increases the internal thermal comfort thanks to its high thermal mass, making it ideal for managing temperature fluctuations.

Technological Systems

The agriturismo is equipped with a Mechanical Ventilation System (VMC) that ensures continuous air exchange, helping maintain indoor air quality and reducing humidity. This system is crucial for ensuring a healthy environment, especially in low-energy buildings where the envelope’s efficiency might limit natural ventilation.

Wellness Area

To offer a unique experience to guests, the agriturismo is enriched with a small spa that includes an indoor relaxation area and an outdoor heated tub. This space, designed for physical and mental well-being, was integrated into the project to allow guests to enjoy moments of pure relaxation in complete harmony with the surrounding nature. The use of natural materials and high-quality finishes ensures a warm and welcoming atmosphere.