Renato Maurizio Architekten

Description

Perched on the edge of the village, this house commands a striking presence within the historic fabric of Montaccio. The original dwelling, dated to 1719, had fallen into significant disrepair, prompting an approach that prioritised selective preservation over wholesale restoration. Rather than striving to conserve every historical element, the project focused on integrating the remaining intact structures with contemporary interventions. The architectural strategy did not cast the old and new in opposition but instead sought a cohesive interplay between them. This is articulated through a material palette that bridges past and present: traditional lime plaster over rubble masonry coexists with exposed concrete, used for structural additions. Old timber from the original building was repurposed as flooring and interior cladding, while historic roof beams were meticulously crafted into new window and door frames. The contemporary additions are marked by a timeless aesthetic. In a sensitive gesture to the building’s legacy, the centuries-old exterior plaster was neither stripped nor concealed; instead, it was carefully cleaned and restored, preserving its tactile depth and reinforcing the authenticity of the village threshold. A former stable on the site has been transformed into a guesthouse, now linked to the main residence via an underground passage – an architectural gesture that respects the rural vernacular while enhancing functionality.