Residenza ZILLE

Design Statement – Restoration and Extension of a Rural Farmhouse

The main objective of this project was the recovery and transformation of a 17th-century rural farmhouse located near a prestigious Venetian villa. While preserving the historical identity of the building and the local architectural character of the Friuli region, the design addresses the contemporary needs of residents.

Through a careful extension, the original structure—previously composed of three units—was redesigned into five residential apartments. The interiors were completely renovated, incorporating modern elements such as underfloor heating, ducted air conditioning, and improved spatial quality through natural light and smart circulation.

Traditional elements like the stone boundary walls and the inner courtyard were preserved to maintain the connection between historical memory and present-day comfort. The two ground-floor apartments feature private gardens with bioclimatic pergolas, fostering a harmonious indoor-outdoor living experience.

The layout of each unit remains flexible, allowing for personalized spatial configurations. This project aims to offer a balanced and sustainable model for rural architectural regeneration—one that harmonizes heritage with modern-day livability and environmental consciousness.