studio albori: casa solare in vens, italy

‘casa solare’ by studio albori, vens, italy all images courtesy of studio albori

positioned to overlook the aosta valley near the village of vens, italy, the ‘casa solare’ by milan-based practice studio albori is set 1,750 meters above sea level. oriented to account for solar gain, the south-facing facade is comprised of an exposed weight-bearing frame made from locally sourced larch timber. the material has been left untreated and unpainted, creating the exterior’s raw aesthetic. through the windows, all of the internal spaces view a stretch of mountains spanning from monte emilius to the massif of gran paradiso and grivola.

solar energy is integrated in three diverse methods, beginning with the accumulation of light and heat through the glazing of the southern elevation. the energy is stored and released slowly through a layer of mineral salts within the panes lines with phase change material, referred to as PCM. the rooftop photovoltaic panels generate electricity and a wood burning stove on the ground floor for cooking.

entry elevation

timber weight-bearing framework

side elevation

during winter

facade detail

interior

view from the village of vens

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level 1

floor plan / level 2

section

exploded axonometric of timber structure

energy and resources diagram

sketch

project info:

name and site of the project: casa solare (solar house), vens (val d’aosta), italy architects: studio albori (emanuele almagioni, giacomo borella, francesca riva), milano collaborators: lorenza crotti, virginia chiappa nunez, panagiotis veizis structural engineering: echo-d, aosta energy management: günther gantioler / tbz , bolzano; christian cavorsin / atelier projet, aosta main contractor: echo-d, aosta site area: 430 m2 total floor area: 83 m2 design phase: 2010 construction phase: feb/june 2011