REBUILDING ON THE FOOTPRINT OF THE PAST
House CN exemplifies sustainable urban regeneration by transforming an old, abandoned factory in Varese into a modern home for a family of three. This project highlights the importance of reusing existing structures to limit land consumption and preserve the architectural heritage.
The original building, abandoned for years, spanned three levels: a basement and a ground floor used as a factory, and an upper floor designated as a residence. Despite its apparent decay, the site offered two significant advantages: large gardens and breathtaking views of the Alps from the upper floors. The surrounding terrain, spread over two levels, added another layer of interest to the project.
The project consists of the complete demolition of the existing structure, while preserving the lower perimeter walls to use them as retaining walls for the terrain. The new building, reconstructed within the original footprint, is designed to create a modern and functional home, ideal for contemporary family life.
The basement occupies the entire footprint of the original building and includes a spacious garage, technical rooms, a laundry room, a bathroom with a sauna, and an open space gym. Outside, a covered loggia with an integrated kitchen overlooks a pool, creating a relaxing and entertaining area for the summer season.
The ground floor, accessible through stairs or elevator, houses the sleeping area with two large bedrooms, each with a private bathroom and walk-in closet. The master bedroom features a large terrace with views of the mountains and the pool, while the second bedroom overlooks the garden through a pergola. The main entrance, located on the east side, includes a wardrobe for welcoming the family and guests.
The upper floor is the heart of family life, with a large living room and a kitchen opening onto a west-facing terrace, perfect for enjoying sunsets over the mountains. A cozy study room, oriented towards the east garden, provides a bright working space. A glass wall connects it to a shaded patio, providing access to the green roof with a photovoltaic system, that offers an elevated panoramic view.
The building is designed following bioclimatic principles. The distribution of spaces and openings is aligned with the sun’s path, the building envelope is highly insulating, and the systems are highly energy-efficient. This combination of passive and active strategies ensures optimal thermal comfort and makes the house self-sufficient and eco-friendly, minimizing energy consumption.
House CN is not just a modern family home but an example of how sustainable design and urban regeneration can transform abandoned buildings into livable and environmentally friendly spaces.
Year: 2024
Structure: Traditional
Client: Private
State: Project
Location: Varese