It is a radical rethink that Balance Architettura studio has implemented on a so-called “villino dei ferrovieri” (railway worker’s small villa, Ed.), a residential typology that spread throughout Italy starting from 1908 until the 60s under the impulse of a building campaign conducted by Ferrovie dello Stato (state railways, Ed.).
Subject to the constraints of the Superintendence of Architectural Heritage as regards the facades, the intervention focuses on the interior through the demolition of partitions and the inclusion of a grand, though essential, white staircase in microperforated metal sheet to connect the two levels. All around, custom-designed furniture distributed throughout the rooms privilege birch finishes to enhance cleanliness.
Alongside the new coverings and furnishings, some pre-existing elements are enhanced in a contemporary key. In particular, the original wooden beams, restored and repainted with an intense dark color, highlight the craftsmanship that forged them and contribute to give depth to the environment, transforming together with the portions of exposed brick wall in a tangible tool to incarnate the story of the building and its evolution over time.
- Location:
- Cuneo
- Program:
- Villa
- Architects:
- Balance Architettura
- Project Team:
- Alberto Lessan, Jacopo Bracco, Eudes Margaria (job captain), Davide Minervini, Alberto Cout, Irene Nequinio
- Structural Engineering:
- Eretika (Ing. Ivano Menso)
- Thermal consultant:
- Zeb Studio
- Construction:
- Garnerone Giuliano Impresa
- Area:
- 355 sqm
- Year:
- 2021