Preserving a family legacy

Ca’ Giovanni in Piateda, Lombardy, is a carefully restored early 20th-century farm building, brought back to life by architect Alfredo Vanotti. The house held deep emotional value, guiding the decision to preserve its original character rather than replace it. This thoughtful transformation underlines the cultural and personal importance of reviving Alpine heritage through contemporary design.

Stone, wood, and resilience

The facade of Ca’ Giovanni has been left mostly untouched, maintaining its authentic plaster exterior. Inside, Vanotti stripped the interior walls to reveal the original stonework, adding texture and history to each room. The roof, made of chestnut wood and protected by corrugated sheets, was restored in detail to ensure long-term durability in the Alpine climate.

From stable to home

Significant changes were made inside, where a new concrete floor now anchors the structure. Former agricultural spaces were skillfully repurposed: the stable became a private study, the hayloft was turned into a living area with a kitchen and fireplace, and an old storage room now holds a bedroom and bathroom. Every intervention respects the building’s scale and original purpose.

Craftsmanship and continuity

Vanotti worked with local artisans to create custom furnishings that align with the house’s understated atmosphere. Existing pieces like chairs, wardrobes, and chandeliers were carefully restored and reintegrated. These reused elements create a strong sense of continuity between past and present, allowing the house to evolve without losing its identity.

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