Historic Context

The Loli’s House stands within a dense historic fabric shaped by compact street fronts and concealed inner courtyards. Formed by the union of two stone structures from different eras, the left portion once served as a small dwelling, while the right section functioned as a stable and hayloft. Traces of former openings and circulation reveal how the home was originally freestanding before later additions altered its configuration.

Architectural Transformation

The project reconnects the two original volumes by introducing a generous ground-floor portal that enhances spatial continuity. The double height of the former stable allowed the insertion of an additional floor without modifying the exterior silhouette, creating a functional apartment while preserving the building’s recognizable form. The layout now places the living area on the ground floor, with bedrooms and bathroom above.

Facade Renewal

A key intervention focused on replacing the deteriorated wooden walkways once used for hay handling. These “paiol” elements were reinterpreted with thin vertical steel plates, generating a facade that shifts visually depending on the viewpoint. This new layer was extended across both volumes to restore compositional balance after removing the old external stair. The steel surfaces engage strongly with light, subtly revealing or concealing the added structure throughout the day.

Interior Elements and Heritage Value

Inside, a metal staircase inserted in the right volume continues the rhythm of vertical steel elements, giving the stair a sculptural presence. Its concrete base recalls the former external stair resting on stone. The color of the fir-wood interior was refined by introducing precise amounts of black pigment into the impregnating agent.

Through careful restoration and contemporary interventions, The Loli’s House demonstrates how small-scale historic buildings can be revitalized, reinforcing the character and memory of long-inhabited Alpine settlements.

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