Old buildings have a lot of character and a lot of features worth preserving so it’s always nice to come across projects that respect and appreciate these elements. One of them was conducted by studio Pavol Mikolajcak Architekten in Villandro, Italy.
The new structure is buried into the hillside and opens up towards the valleyA concrete shell frames the building, forming a covered deck that’s facing a gorgeous view
The property originally had two structures on it: a residence and a shed, both placed on a sloping terrain. The new owner chose to move in first and later decide what to do with these structures. After two years a decision was made: both buildings were to be preserved in their original form and a third one was to be added. This way balance could be achieved between contemporary living and historical beauty and authenticity.
The extension has a glazed facade with full-height windows and sliding doors that reflect the wonderful panoramaThe extension is barely noticeable , being built mostly undergroundThe interior design of the extension is simple and modern but still warm and cozy, just like the original houseBy preserving the house in its original form the architects saved a piece of historyA combination of natural stone, wood and concrete give the new building an eclectic characterThe old house has a ton of character and has been updated just a little bit, with no major design changesThe old shed was preserved as well and kept its original role, that of housing animals
The new building is a semi-underground structure with a glazed facade facing the valley and skylights piercing through the ground at the top. It serves as an extension for the original living area and it has large and open spaces and a modern interior design. The materials used throughout this project include natural stone, concrete, steel and wood. The new extension and the old living spaces are connected by a staircase. By deciding against the reconstruction of the original house the owners got to conserve a piece of history. The new extension adds a series of much-needed modern elements without disturbing the original character of the property.
The extension has large skylights which let in natural light, ensuring a surprisingly bright and airy ambianceIn the bathroom, the light coming through the window creates shadowy patterns on the bare concrete wallsThis is the staircase which connects the old house and the new underground extensionThe original house sits proudly in the same spot, showcasing its unique and beautiful characterThe extension blends into the hillside, remaining almost completely hidden from viewA beautiful valley unfolds beyond the new building’s glazed facade, becoming a part of the interior decorNaturally, the underground building shares a close connection with nature and its surroundings
