FD Architect, founded by architect Francesca Diano, has completed the architectural design for the Cantina Castello di Perno, set against the stunning backdrop of Monforte d’Alba.
The underlying idea of the entire project was to create a multitude of frames that could capture a variety of perspectives: poetic, historical, and archetypical. These architectural frames create genuine rooms that follow the typical modernist architectural walk, further enhanced by the presence of artworks created specifically for the site. The collaboration with the client and the artists who worked in the location was fundamental, transforming it into a true open-air art gallery.
The bricks, stones, and metals all evoke the dusty colors of the earth and vineyards. Elements of nature are incorporated into the project: greenery takes on the character of architecture, defining volumes and spaces; water, in keeping with Mediterranean tradition, is used to reduce the summer temperature of the open areas.
The challenge of this project was to reconnect a noble agriculture, such as that of the vineyards, with a part of the territory marred by human intervention: several previous projects had scarred the hill of Castelletto with earth removals and unfinished, structurally inefficient architectures. These constraints, dictated by the context, transformed into opportunities to conceive unusual and alternative solutions.
The existing state comprised a series of disjointed buildings and open spaces: a partially buried cellar that was already functioning and had been previously renovated by the owner; a problematic reinforced concrete roof over the cellar, which supported an elevator shaft also made of concrete; a partially renovated farmhouse from the late 1800s; the structure of a new building to expand the farmhouse; and a series of walls and concrete terraces supporting earthworks carried out over the years for a project that was never initiated.
The project involved the renovation of the existing buildings, within which offices, charming rooms, and tasting areas were created; the construction of a new covered structure, which could be enclosed in the future; a sunbathing area with a swimming pool and changing rooms; a new agricultural garage; and the renovation of the façades of the existing cellar and all external areas.
For more information, visit the website www.francescadiano.com.
CREDITS
Project: Cantina Castello di Perno
Studio: Architectural design and Project Manager FD Architect Arch. Francesca Diano and Architect Chiara Rovetta
Location: Castelletto, Monforte d’Alba (CN)
Year: 2023
Photos: Simone Furiosi
