A new look for an old Sicilian home, guided by a systemic approach

The aim of the Cozzo dei Ciauli project was to restore and expand an old farmhouse located in a hilltop position in Ventimiglia di Sicilia, transforming it into an event venue for around 350 people. This multidisciplinary project combines contemporary architecture with tradition, bioclimatic design and biophilia while adopting a BIM (Building Information Modelling) process, a digital approach that uses a 3D model of the project to gather information and manage the entire life cycle. “It is a manifesto of our architecture,” say architects Giovanna D’Attardi and Francesco Schiera of DA’SCHI Architetture. “The three Bs (bio-architecture, BIM and biophilia) represent a systemic approach that combines the technological efficiency of BIM with the principles of sustainability and well-being of bio-architecture while also integrating plant elements.”

The complex consists of two buildings: one for events and the other for offices. The extension includes a new trapezoidal structure with a main hall and a rectangular connecting volume. It also features a visually-striking staircase connecting the upper floor to the swimming pool overlooking the valley and an interior glass pyramid housing a palm tree.

“The design of the complex aims to optimise energy resources and minimise environmental impact in terms of both CO₂ reduction and respect for the site through a choice of eco-compatible materials and careful use of the landscape,” continue the architects.

Sustainability runs through the entire project, from bioclimatic strategies based on factors such as orientation, solar radiation and prevailing winds to the use of green roofs. The surface coverings were chosen with the same criteria. “We made extensive use of ceramic tile collections from Ragno, which represented an important choice in terms of aesthetics and functionality. Production process sustainability, an attractive design and the availability of different sizes were the factors behind our choice of this brand.”

For the kitchen floors, the architects selected Eterna Arena 60×60 cm stone-effect tiles with recycled content produced using CleanOut technology and made slip-resistant by Stepwise. For the bathrooms, they chose marble-effect porcelain tiles (Incanto Emperador) and large concrete-effect slabs (Maiora Concrete Bianco). The interior floors feature a custom waxed finish, while slate-effect porcelain stoneware (Realstone Slate Ice) was chosen for the exteriors. The architects also designed the bathroom fixtures and furniture, which were made by local artisans.

The project also reflects the practice’s systemic approach in other ways, such as the choice of a dry steel pillar and beam structure to reduce the environmental impact of construction and to allow components to be recovered at the end of the building’s life (principle of reversibility). Large windows with selective glass ensure continuity with the landscape and optimise energy performance. The dialogue between old and new culminates in the choice of a courtyard design that echoes the layout of the historic farmhouse, creating a space that feels at once intimate and communal.