We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to ancestors, country and community. We pay our respects to their Elders both past and present and to their enduring cultures.
Piave Strawbale House
Extension and renovation of a traditional northern Italian townhouse with natural materials.
LOCATION
Verona, Italy
TYPE
Residential - renovation and extension
YEAR
2022
STATUS
Complete
PROJECT OVERVIEW
A village townhouse renewed at the foot of the Dolomites
When the clients purchased an old townhouse in the centre of Pederobba, a small village in northern Italy at the foothills of the Dolomites, the building required substantial renovation. Part of the existing structure was in poor condition and needed to be demolished and reconstructed, offering an opportunity to rethink the home's layout, performance and character.
01 — Approach
In step with the village
Given the home's location within a historic village context, the design approach focused on minimising visual and environmental impact while ensuring full compatibility with the surrounding urban fabric. The clients expressed a strong desire for an energy-efficient home that made extensive use of natural and healthy building materials.
02 — Extension
A new strawbale heart
A new strawbale extension was built in place of the demolished section, providing exceptional thermal insulation and significantly improving the overall comfort of the home. This new structure accommodates the main living area, creating a light-filled, flexible space for daily family activities, with framed views of the mountains to the north.
03 — Renovation
Performance without losing character
Renovation works on the existing portion of the house included the installation of new double-glazed doors and windows and an upgrade to high-efficiency heating and cooling systems. The thermal performance of the original stone walls was enhanced through the addition of internal natural-fibre insulation, ensuring improved energy efficiency while preserving the historic character of the building.
