- Project: Casa Vi
- Architect: EV+A Lab Atelier d’architettura
- Location: Italy, Sondrio, Province of Sondrio
- Year: 2015
- Area: 75 m2
- Photography: Marcello Mariana
Perched in the alpine surroundings near Sondrio, Italy, Casa Vi by EV+A Lab Atelier d’architettura is a modest yet brilliantly executed renovation of a rural ruin into a contemporary mountain home. The project stands as a thoughtful meditation on space efficiency, contextual design, and sustainable architecture rooted in vernacular tradition.
A Ruin Reimagined into a Modern Alpine Dwelling
Rather than pursue excess, the clients behind Casa Vi sought clarity and purpose. They enlisted EV+A Lab to transform an abandoned concrete-brick structure into a compact residence that would capitalize on natural light, thermal comfort, and stunning alpine views. The result is a 75 m² home that balances function, simplicity, and emotional connection to place.
“The customer wanted the living room to receive maximum solar radiation and to have a view toward the valley,” notes the architect.
Located at roughly 1,000 meters elevation in the Orobic Alps, the site presented environmental challenges that required a sensitive and smart approach to orientation and materials.
Design Rooted in Mountain Vernacular
Inspired by traditional mountain architecture, the home adopts a single sloped roof—completely clad in local stone, without eaves, and referencing the shape of historic rural homes. This geometry enabled the architect to elevate the north-facing wall, allowing for strategically placed openings that frame panoramic views of the Retic Alps.
Four equal-sized windows—each 2.3 x 1.4 meters—puncture the facade to provide symmetry, rhythm, and daylight. Inside, the kitchen and dining area benefit from a double-height ceiling, topped with a flush skylight system comprising multiple glass panels. The light-flooded interior feels expansive despite its modest square footage.
Built for Alpine Climate and Energy Efficiency
Understanding the poor solar exposure typical of the Orobic Alps, EV+A Lab prioritized thermal insulation and passive lighting strategies. The single-pitch roof design and window placements are optimized for sunlight capture while maintaining comfort year-round.
“Mountain architecture is an emblematic example of sustainable design,” the architect explains. “It uses locally sourced materials and embraces environmental constraints.”
The project showcases a successful blend of low-tech sustainability and high-performance building envelope—achieving comfort, efficiency, and architectural beauty without unnecessary complexity.
