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New eco-efficient version of an old rural home
by Christiane Burklein on Wednesday, 25th January 2012 in Sustainable Architecture
An old rural farmhouse reduced to a ruin in the hills near Parma has been renovated in a carbon-neutral construction project: an example of eco-efficient renovation of an existing building.
The ruin as memory of a place was incorporated into the project, rebuilding only a part of it. The home’s vertical orientation recalls the traditional local “tower house”, but in a “green” version employing innovative construction materials and techniques.
Local stone and brick from the site were used along with environmentally friendly building materials.
Additional environmental measures included bioclimatics and energy self-sufficiency thanks to the orientation of the home, use of solar panels in combination with underfloor heating, and energy independence thanks to photovoltaic panels. Rainwater is reused and the home has a natural phytopurification system.
The high performance cladding on the tower is made of rough larch wood boards laid irregularly, like stone walls. A wall of glass on the south side opens over the valley and the swimming pool.
The Order of Architects of Parma awarded the home a prize for the best “First Project”, encouraging projects for conscientious sustainable restoration of old rural buildings.
Architects: Arch. Alberto Mambriani, Arch. Silvia Ombellini, Arch. Simone Riccardi
Location: Pumaceto, Località Faviano Inferiore, Lesignano de’ Bagni (Province of Parma)
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