Revitalizing Agro-Heritage Buildings : A Contemporary Co- Living Transformation

Italian farmhouses, witnesses of a millenary agricultural tradition, represent a unique cultural heritage often left abandoned, turning into fascinating ruins of rural history.

Cascina Lossano Existing

In our project, we focus on the revitalization of these agro-heritage buildings by preserving their original structures and retrofitting them with off-site manufactured dwelling modules. This transformation of Cascina Lossano aims to create a vibrant residential co-living hub, seamlessly integrating historical authenticity with modern living standards.

Cascina Lassano Proposed

Preserving Heritage Structures with Off-Site Manufactured Dwelling Modules

The transformation employs two primary strategies for retrofitting comfortable and functional residential units:

1. Macroelement Strategy

The macroelement strategy revitalizes auxiliary structures such as porches, pigsties, and garages. Prefabricated units are seamlessly integrated within the preserved heritage structures, maintaining historical integrity and the spatial sense and features of these structures while introducing modern functionalities.

2. Microelement Strategy

The microelement strategy focuses on the main residential structures, including manor houses, farmer's houses, and stables. Off-site manufactured micro-elements with integrated services are incorporated into the century-old buildings. Micro-elements are compact modules delicately inserted in between the structure, such as a self-contained kitchen or a bathroom cubicle. This meticulous process conserves original architectural details while providing contemporary comforts.

Creating Communal Spaces and Ensuring Sustainability

The design thoughtfully incorporates various shaded, open, and semi-open communal spaces arranged around the Aia, the central courtyard. This arrangement fosters a communal and engaging living environment.

Sustainability is a core principle, achieved through the use of materials crafted from locally-sourced waste from rice fields and salvaged elements from existing structures. The careful orientation and spacing of units facilitate natural cross-ventilation, ensuring comfort in both private indoor spaces and communal areas.

Axonometric View

Climate Adaptation and Energy Efficiency

To address climate adaptation, shading devices are strategically designed to mitigate summer sunlight, provide warmth during winter, and enhance interior lighting. Skylights equipped with integrated solar panels illuminate interiors and contribute to energy generation. These features ensure that the retrofitted buildings are energy-efficient and comfortable year-round.

Shading Devices

Circularity and Future Adaptability

The use of modular units allows for future adaptations, ensuring long-term flexibility in response to the evolving needs of family compositions and community interactions. This adaptability is crucial for maintaining the relevance and functionality of the co-living hub over time.

Original Buildings

Retaining Structure

Proposed Co-Living Design

Future Adaptation

Our project demonstrates that heritage buildings can be revitalized to meet modern residential needs while preserving their historical essence. Through the strategic use of prefabricated macro and micro-elements, we respect architectural heritage while introducing sustainability and flexibility. The thoughtful design of communal spaces and energy-efficient features enhances the living experience, making our project a model for future transformations of agro-heritage buildings into vibrant residential hubs.