Shaped by Landscape - A Rural Community Enterprise

Project idea

The project aims to bring life back to a gradually forgotten rural hamlet by revealing the potential of its existing landscape, buildings, and local material traditions. The proposal respects the historical use of local stone while adapting the site to contemporary social and economic needs. By introducing saffron cultivation, small-scale production, public gathering spaces, and new landscape connections, the project creates a productive community system rather than a single isolated architectural intervention. Its objective is to offer a realistic and sustainable model for reactivating the hamlet, supporting future inhabitants, local identity, and the long-term use of the place.

Project description

The project reimagines the existing hamlet as a new community-based system shaped by landscape, production, and public life. The proposal introduces saffron cultivation as a local productive activity, connected to a natural cosmetics factory that uses parts of the saffron plant, including leaves and petals. Public gathering is supported through a new piazza and restaurant, creating spaces for both residents and visitors. A new system of stone stairs establishes vertical connections across the sloped site, recreating the movement patterns of the village. Viewing platforms are positioned towards the surrounding mountain peaks, strengthening the relationship between the settlement, the landscape, and the wider alpine context.

Technical information

The project is based on the transformation of an existing stone-and-cement barn structure. Local stone is used for the window frames, roof elements, and exterior surfaces, while new skylights are introduced into the roof to bring natural light into the interior. A steel structural system supports the ceiling. Stone cladding from the previous barn roofs is reused as paving for the new piazza. A new system of stone stairs recreates the movement patterns of the village and connects the different levels of the site. The viewing platforms are made of concrete, with railings combining stone elements and steel wire.

Documentation

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