Alfredo Vanotti reimagined this venerable Italian barn as a home and studio.
Located in a pastural valley overlooking the Rhaetian Alps, the sparsely populated village of Piateda in northern Italy’s Venina Valley called to architect Alfredo Vanotti, who transformed an old barn there into a personal refuge for his family of four.
“It belonged to my great-grandfather, who toiled to build it and worked on it all his life, and it was the symbol of the livelihood of the entire large family,” Vanotti describes, noting he spent time there as a child. “Certainly, unconsciously, it has remained in my heart and mind.”
Constructed of rough stone walls with heavy wooden ceiling beams and floor joists, the timeless structure was ripe for reinterpretation. “The goal was to give it a second life without forgetting the previous one,” Vanotti adds, explaining he was inspired by the natural surroundings. “It is fundamental to respect the genius loci, without compromise.”
While retaining their original position, the charred wood doors and windows have been mounted inside, adding a sense of depth to the newly- insulated façade, while adjustable fir wood slats allow the rooms to be shaded from the powerful afternoon sun.
In a nod to the smoke-blackened walls in age-old homes, the plaster walls are rendered in warm tones that foster a cozy backdrop for a refined mix of furnishings and objets d’art.
A minimalist chair with a red leather seat and back by Franco Albini, for example, adds a modern touch to the entryway. And underneath the window, a bold blue velvet tufted sofa by Gaetano Pesce creates a comfortable spot to take in the majestic mountain views.
Floating in the center of the room, a three-sided painted-iron fireplace that includes wood storage separates the living area from a compact kitchen with linear cabinetry and iron shelving. Vanotti and his 9-year-old daughter, Eva, break bread at a painted-iron table alongside the cabinetry – one of the many pieces Vanotti designed for the space.
Made of black charred wood that complements the stone walls and newly poured, heated-concrete flooring, large sliding doors on pulleys separate the living area from the bedroom, where a tapestry by Serena Confalonieri adds an artistic punch of color to the dark walls.
A glass box encloses the en suite bathroom “to dilate the somewhat reduced space,” Vanotti explains, pointing to the transparent partition wall between the sink cabinet and shower.
When work calls, Vanotti simply walks down a stone stairway on the side of the house to his design studio, where tall French doors frame picturesque views of the mountains. Illuminated by the iconic Arco floor lamp by Castiglioni – one of the architect’s favorite designers – it’s an inspiring spot for Vanotti to conjure up new designs, personally drawing many of his renderings with painstaking care.
Vanotti is pleased with the renovation and enjoys a sense of serenity when looking out at the soaring mountain peaks. Perhaps most importantly, his partner, Silvia, and their children adore it.
“I love the juxtaposition of rustic and modern, just absolutely convinced that they can and should coexist,” he says. “Thoughtful contrasts create unique environments.”
Photography by Monica Spezia.
For more like this Italian barn, be sure to check out this historic former dairy Hannes and Tina Maritz call home.
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