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Preserving the Past, Shaping the Present – The Revitalization of the Forgotten Hay Barn.
The objective of our intervention was the determination to value the personal history of this
place, according to a specific strategy of maintenance and reconstruction of the core elements
of the place. The approach was based on the conviction that every space has its own story to
tell, and our ambition was to balance the existing with the new. Exploring the layers of the past
allowed us to crystallize the essence of the space and act through targeted interventions,
contrasting or integrating the key elements of the existing space and shaping its current identity.
Preserving the Past, Shaping the Present – The Revitalization of the Forgotten Hay Barn.
A few kilometers from the city center of Varese, at the border between the fragmented urban fabric of the province and the surrounding countryside, an old, abandoned hay barn has resisted the passing of time.
An urban block of 3.5 m by 15 m between the houses has unexpectedly conserved its authenticity. It is a place which has never really been a home, but rather a hybrid between a rural refuge and a transitional depot. The space, which has been disguised as a storeroom, was originally a barn that has been patched and resewed over time, shedding its skin according to the needs of each owner.
The client, Francesca, is a successful food blogger and content creator. Her need was to create a suitable space to promote her working philosophy, based on respect for tradition and an attention to sustainability issues. Francesca asked us to create a project that could accommodate, educate, and create, a contemporary and traditional workshop at the same time.
The objective of our intervention was the determination to value the personal history of this place, according to a specific strategy of maintenance and reconstruction of the core elements of the place. The approach was based on the conviction that every space has its own story to tell, and our ambition was to balance the existing with the new. Exploring the layers of the past allowed us to crystallize the essence of the space and act through targeted interventions, contrasting or integrating the key elements of the existing space and shaping its current identity.
We preserved the textures and original traces of the old loft areas as a reminder of the multiple layers of the building›s history. The decision to leave the south wall intact, with its thick line of irregularly colored and shaped bricks, was fundamental. It was the perfect expression of a building process based on stratification. At the same time, we decided to transform all the interventions that were inconsistent with the site›s history and therefore not original, into large openings. We returned the building to its primitive state: what was originally open to the straw was turned into large, glazed surfaces, as in the case of the northern wall.
The as-built condition as of April 2020: BBK (Blue Bird Kitchen) is an abandoned ruin, an old barn «patched up» over time that has been wedged between neighboring houses. Measuring 3.5 m by 15 m, it is defined by a truss on the longest side and is lit only by windows on the north, east and west facades, while the south facade is blind. The collection of images shows its original state. Identifying its original essence was the first step in clearing the space of all architectural interventions that were clearly at odds with the original nature of the space.ew is integrated delicately, discreetly, and gradually into the existing space, respecting the character of this simple, rural place.
Going all the way back to the roots, the photo shows a straw warehouse, an iconic structure commonly found in rural areas, such as in the area where the Blue Bird Kitchen studio is located. These warehouses were traditionally designed with a strong emphasis on functionality, employing only the essential elements for construction. They embody the essence of simplicity and practicality that characterizes rural architecture, an aspect that was key in defining the materials and architectural choices for our intervention.
Model image: exploring the intricate relationship between the surroundings and interior spaces through the creation of physical models. The physical model is a tool to investigate and enhance the identity of the space by seeking harmony with the context. The large round window catches the eye: the interior is projected to the outside that naturally becomes part of domestic life.
The diagram shows the architectural concept of the project, highlighting two key objectives: maximizing openings to allow the entry of natural light while also restoring the original structure of the space. Together, these strategies not only prioritize the integration of natural light, but also emphasize the preservation and revitalization of the space›s original architectural elements, resulting in a harmonious blend of functionality, aesthetics, and historical value.
Il primo obiettivo si è focalizzato sulla massimizzazione delle aperture, come finestre, porte o lucernari per facilitare l´ingresso della
luce naturale. Questo approccio mira a riempire lo spazio di luce naturale, migliorando l’atmosfera e creando un ambiente piacevole.
Il secondo obiettivo consiste nel ripristinare la struttura originale dello spazio. Questo comporta la conservazione e la rivitalizzazione
degli elementi architettonici esistenti, come travi, colonne o muri, per mantenere l’autenticità e il carattere dello spazio.
Ripristinando la struttura originale, il progetto onora il significato storico e le caratteristiche uniche dello spazio, ridando il giusto valore
al fienile del cortile.
The axonometric diagram gives a visual representation of the different levels and features of the
space. Legend: 1. Ground Floor Entrance: Serves as an access point for visitors, designed as a large
display window to the street. 2.First floor with large windows: the openings, as already mentioned,
contribute significantly to the overall character of the building, allowing not only the entry of extensive
natural light but also evocative views of the surrounding context. 3.Mezzanine level: designated as a
study area, it is positioned in the center of the space and acts as a focal point. It has a contribution to
the symmetrical spatial organization of the overall space, adding visual balance and functionality.
Unless otherwise indicated,all documents by StudioTROPICANA are © StudioTROPICANA.
This document and the ideas incorporated here in, as an instrument of professional service, is the property of
StudioTROPICANA and is not to be used,reproduced or transmitted, in whole or in part, in any form or by any means for any
other project without the prior written authorization from StudioTROPICANA.
Every reasonable attempt has been made to identify owners of copyrights of any referential images.
StudioTROPICANA apologize for any omissions that may have occurred.
Errors or omissions will be corrected in subsequent productions of such documents.
© Photographs: Mikael Olsson
BBK STUDIO VARESE 2022.
