officina82 employs wood and stone to renovate abandoned rye barn in the italian alps

officina82's renovation involved reinforcing the masonry, replacing the roof, and adding new mezzanine with expansive dormer windows.

Officina82 edited by christina vergopoulou March 16, 2024 3 min

Studio Officina82’s Barn Restoration Revitalizes Rural Heritage

Studio Officina82 transforms a rye barn nestled within an abandoned hamlet in the Italian maritime Alps, as part of the Selucente accommodation project. Traditional materials like wood and stone, combined with innovative and sustainable elements, shape the LOFT. The original stone structure has been retained, with a new mezzanine featuring two expansive dormer windows, offering a distinctive vista of the valley below.

The renovation of the former rye barn is a component of the broader revitalization effort for the Alpisella alpine hamlet, known as Selucente. Situated at 1,000 meters above sea level in the Italian maritime Alps, within the Garessio municipality, the project aims to reimagine traditional built heritage in rural settings. It seeks to propose a sustainable model for restoration, economically, ecologically, historically, and aesthetically, using cost-effective interventions replicable elsewhere.

officina82 employs wood and stone to renovate abandoned rye barn in the italian alps - 1 — all images by Fabio Oggero

Experimental design Approach Preserves Traditional Architecture

Officina82‘s endeavor serves as an architectural and landscape design laboratory, blending the restoration of existing structures with experimental projects like the StarsBOX and GlamBOX wooden accommodation modules. These draw from traditional architectural forms such as shepherd huts and Alpine barns.

The former rye barn, initially dilapidated, comprised stone masonry on three sides and was later enclosed. The renovation involved replacing the roof, reinforcing the masonry, and constructing a new loft for sleeping quarters. The wooden roof structure, insulated with wood fiber, features a corten steel outer layer. Two new dormer windows enhance interior space and views.

Interior finishes include pigmented cement flooring, thermo plaster on living area walls, marmorino in bathrooms, and cocciopesto in the kitchen. To maintain exterior authenticity, the old lime plaster remains partially intact. Materials and design prioritize a contemporary restoration approach, respecting the original structure while meeting modern housing needs affordably.

officina82 employs wood and stone to renovate abandoned rye barn in the italian alps - 2 — Studio Officina82 revitalizes a rye barn nestled in the Italian maritime Alps for the Selucente project

officina82 employs wood and stone to renovate abandoned rye barn in the italian alps - 3 — the LOFT takes shape with traditional materials, preserving the original stone structure

officina82 employs wood and stone to renovate abandoned rye barn in the italian alps - 4 — utilizing traditional wood and stone, the project adds a new mezzanine with expansive dormer windows

studio-officina82-renovation-abandoned-rye-barn-italy-designboom-1800-2 — the former rye barn now boasts a new wooden roof insulated with fiber and clad in corten steel

officina82 employs wood and stone to renovate abandoned rye barn in the italian alps - 5 — Officina82’s renovation of the former rye barn aims to revive rural heritage sustainably

officina82 employs wood and stone to renovate abandoned rye barn in the italian alps - 6 — interior finishes add a touch of modernity while preserving the barn’s rustic charm

officina82 employs wood and stone to renovate abandoned rye barn in the italian alps - 7 — renovation efforts involved reinforcing the masonry, replacing the roof, and adding a new loft

officina82 employs wood and stone to renovate abandoned rye barn in the italian alps - 8 — Officina82’s sustainable restoration blends heritage preservation with innovative design solutions

officina82 employs wood and stone to renovate abandoned rye barn in the italian alps - 9 — the mezzanine’s dormer windows offer views of the valley below, enhancing the barn’s charm

the dormer window offers a privileged view of the Val Tanaro the wooden staircase leads to the new sleeping quarters loft the bathrooms feature marmorino stucco the pre-existing rock serves as furniture in the bathroom

project info:

name: LOFT – former rye barn
architect: studio Officina82 | @officina82

location: Garessio, Italy

photography: Fabio Oggero | @fabiooggero

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