Buen Retiro: A Modern Retreat Blending with Roccasparvera’s Nature
Discover Buen Retiro, a striking retreat nestled in Roccasparvera, Italy, designed by the talented Dario Castellino in 2023. This architectural marvel seamlessly blends modern design with the serene beauty of the Stura Valley, offering a unique sanctuary that respects and revitalizes its natural and historical setting. Utilizing sustainable materials and techniques, Buen Retiro stands as a testament to innovative, eco-friendly design.
A Harmonious Blend of Modernity and Nature
Located in the verdant landscapes of Roccasparvera, Italy, Buen Retiro emerges as a magnificent retreat, a creation of Dario Castellino. Designed in 2023, this project presents a modern extension to an ancient stone relic, encapsulating a profound connection to its natural surroundings. Castellino’s design philosophy breathes life into this project, marrying the old with the new through materials, colors, and architecture that echo the environment.
Respecting History, Embracing the Future
Buen Retiro’s design pays homage to a small yet significant stone structure, preserving its essence while bestowing a new purpose. The project intervenes delicately, ensuring the new construction complements the original without overshadowing it. With materials like burnt larch wood and glass, the expansion adds a contemporary touch yet remains rooted in its historical context.
Sustainable Techniques for a Modern Retreat
Emphasizing sustainability, the retreat employs CalceLegnoCanapa® for insulation, a choice reflecting Castellino’s dedication to ecological and durable construction practices. The residence boasts large, single-glazed windows on its southern facade, erasing boundaries between indoors and out. The strategic use of the Shou Sugi Ban technique on wood enhances durability against natural elements, a nod to both tradition and innovation.
Energy Self-Sufficiency and Local Craftsmanship
Buen Retiro stands as a beacon of energy self-sufficiency, equipped with photovoltaic panels and an energy storage system, rendering it a zero-emission dwelling. Castellino’s preference for local materials not only supports the regional economy but also underscores a commitment to sustainable architecture.
This project, a finalist in the Wood Architecture Prize 2024, exemplifies a modern retreat that respects its past while boldly stepping into the future, offering a design that is both captivating and conscious.
Photography by Fabio Oggero
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