Architects:Pedevilla Architects

Area :200 m²

Year :2020

Photographs :Gustav Willeit

Lead Architect :Armin Pedevilla, Alexander Pedevilla

Structural Engineering :Egon Pescollderungg

Electrical Engineering :Studio GM

HVAC Engineering :TKON

Project Architect : Matteo Bolgan, Nico Schmitt

City : San Vigilio di Marebbe

Country : Italy

The ciAsa (Rhaeto-Romanic for the house) is an all-wooden high-alpine family home in South Tyrol's St. Vigil, surrounded by the Dolomites of Val Badia. It stands on a gentle hill, right next to a thermal spring. Based on the archaic form of a house, no distinction is made between roof and façade. The rising form of the roof makes the building visible from afar, while at the same time the low eaves lines also provide protection. The shape of the trapezoid appears as a recurring element in the overall design. To illuminate the interiors, the trapezoidal dormers are used as well as a skylight, whose light shines into the house in a cone-like shape.

The three overground floors are entirely made from the wood that fell on 30 October 2018 during heavy storms in the surrounding forests. Massive spruce wood was joined to create the exterior and interior walls, using a special technique and avoiding the use of adhesives and resins. Based on 6cm thick wooden planks, 36cm strong outer walls were crafted. Even within the prefabricated building components, the planks were laid in the same way as the tree had grown - from bottom to top.