We have been asked to design a family house in the countryside of Piemonte, Northern Italy. The building's form takes its cues from the linear traditional local farmhouses, yet acquires a more contemporary and permeable façade to blur the boundary between interior space and nature. The long and narrow building comes with full-height glazing to immerse its inhabitants in the landscape.

A modern twist on Piemonte’s traditional farmhouse

The Y House takes its design cues from the traditional farmhouse of Piemonte, commonly referred to as the "cascina piemontese." This architectural heritage is reflected in the roof, which maintains the characteristic local inclination, seamlessly blending the structure with its regional context. The main housing volume, however, introduces a contemporary twist by adopting a "Y"-shaped floor plan.

This configuration not only creates a striking architectural form but also serves a functional purpose by enclosing a private inner courtyard between its two wings. This courtyard acts as a serene, sheltered retreat, enhancing the sense of privacy while fostering a close connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The design harmoniously bridges tradition and modernity, offering a thoughtful response to both aesthetic and practical considerations.

Dual volumes

The building is split in two volumes; the first, containing common use spaces such as: living room, dining room, kitchen. The second, containing the three bedrooms for the family, is opened up visually and physically to create targeted views towards the surroundings. Interior and exterior finishing are designed to call upon the building's rural surroundings.

Credits

Project developed for Sangallo Bioedilizia.

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