Casa A Reggio Emilia

Casa A Reggio Emilia
© Riccardo De Vecchi

CASA A REGGIO EMILIA

Leonardo Peressa

ARCHITECTS
Leonardo Peressa

AREA
170 m²

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING COMPANY
Studio 3.14

ARCHITECT
Mia Zanni, Enrico Franzoni

CATEGORY
Houses, Renovation

LOCATION
Reggio Emilia, Italy

YEAR
2020

Text description provided by architect.

Located in a lot just outside the historic center of Reggio Emilia, the building, dating back to the '50s, appeared rather out of place compared to the neighborhood in which it was located.

Casa A Reggio Emilia
© Riccardo De Vecchi
Casa A Reggio Emilia
© Riccardo De Vecchi
Casa A Reggio Emilia
© Riccardo De Vecchi

Built in masonry with load-bearing walls, it was easily recognizable by its roof, whose slope was rather unusual for the region, being of a very pronounced angle.

From the beginning, the main question was whether or not to maintain the existing building, which was actually quite damaged, also as a result of earthquakes that had previously affected the region.

After several evaluations, the option of the renovation was chosen, both for the remarkable architecture of the building, and for the fact that conservation was considered more environmentally sustainable than demolition and reconstruction.

Casa A Reggio Emilia
© Riccardo De Vecchi
Casa A Reggio Emilia
© Riccardo De Vecchi
Casa A Reggio Emilia
© Riccardo De Vecchi

The project was therefore a combination of rethinking and rationalization of space, seismic renovation, and thermal improvements.

On the ground floor, the load-bearing masonry was partly demolished and partly reinforced, to obtain a new more fluid and free circulation, and a new reorganization of spaces, which are arranged around these bearing walls, which contain from time to time the kitchen, a closet, or the staircase.

Always on the ground floor, the realization of a new window has recreated the relationship between the house and the green space outside, which was missing in the existing building, thanks also to a pergola that extends the living room to the front garden.

Casa A Reggio Emilia
© Riccardo De Vecchi
Casa A Reggio Emilia
© Riccardo De Vecchi
Casa A Reggio Emilia
© Riccardo De Vecchi

On the first floor the reconstruction of the wooden roof, made necessary because the existing one was too damaged, has allowed the addition of new volumes and a complete rethinking of the bedrooms and all the floor in general.

These new volumes, a bathroom, and a study are then also those that characterize the new shape of the roof.

The client, happy and enthusiastic to collaborate and attentive to environmental choices, has been fundamental for the good realization of the project, that has tried to respond in the best possible way to the technical and practical needs of a new building, through the choice of renovation rather than demolition.

Casa A Reggio Emilia
© Riccardo De Vecchi
Casa A Reggio Emilia
© Riccardo De Vecchi


Casa A Reggio Emilia
© Riccardo De Vecchi
Casa A Reggio Emilia
© Riccardo De Vecchi
Casa A Reggio Emilia
© Riccardo De Vecchi


Casa A Reggio Emilia
Ground Floor Plan
Casa A Reggio Emilia
Section


Casa A Reggio Emilia
Axonometry
Casa A Reggio Emilia
Axonometry