Roccolo
Location
Bergamo, Italy
Year
2023
An alpine historic villa beautifully blends its 20th-century heritage with a modern, respectful redesign.
Nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, this historic villa is an estate shaped by successive eras. The tower—a distinct landmark for the surrounding region—stands as the oldest structure on the property. Dating back to the early 20th century, it originally served as a strategic hunting lodge overlooking the adjacent woodlands. The central volume, constructed as an extension of the tower, functions as the primary residence, accommodating a intimate living room, a kitchen, and a bedroom.
The project focuses on the comprehensive renovation and extension of the villa’s east wing, currently underutilized due to an inefficient layout and moisture issues. The design brief balances contemporary intervention with a deep respect for the estate's heritage, preserving a legacy that has remained within the client's family for generations.
To honor the villa's robust vernacular character, the material palette relies strictly on locally sourced elements, including silver fir, beech and local stone.
The new extension unfolds around a dramatic, double-height living space, where expansive windows frame views of the forest and a prominent fireplace ensures the wing remains warm and habitable throughout the severe alpine winters. Fulfilling the client's programmatic needs, the layout introduces a modern bathroom and a cozy mezzanine master bedroom wrapped in warm fir planking.
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