Private house | Ottavio Di Blasi

This project examines the relations between traditional Alpine architecture and modern-day design. The programme involved the replacing of a late-nineteenth century barn with a residential building. Rather than focus on the barn style, it was decided to work around its underlying construction lines and qualities. “Traditional” materials have been savaged and redeveloped using modern techniques.The facade has now taken on the basic function of a sunscreen and has been separated from the wall structure, rediscovering the simple features of old barns. This facade-sunscreen is not just confined to light-controlling, creating spaces sheltered from the wind and new pathways; its design actually encompasses solar collectors, meeting the building’s energy demands. According to schemes solely dictated by energy requirements, the sunscreen-shield is made of flaps of fir-wood, alternating with solar panels of the same shape and size, as part of an open design allowing each element to be replaced by a solar panel according to energy needs.