Architect Dario Castellino has transformed an abandoned ruin into a retreat house that seamlessly merges with the landscape.
Nestled among the trees with a view of the Stura Valley in Roccasparvera, Cuneo, the Buen Retiro retreat stands as a testament to the skill of local architect Dario Castellino, who has designed it to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. In the scenic area of Broglio, which translates to “sprout” in local dialect, Buen Retiro rejuvenates a historical rural site. This project highlights Castellino’s dedication to revitalising small alpine villages, similar to his work in the Cuneo valleys at Paraloup and Campofei.
Transforming an old stone ruin overrun by nature, Castellino has created a modern extension using burnt larch wood and glass, establishing a seamless connection between the natural environment and the architectural design.
The original stone and lime structure, featuring one room on each floor, has been carefully preserved in both form and materials. Specific efforts to reinforce and reconstruct the roof with reclaimed wood from the Stura valley have maintained its original character. An internal wooden staircase, housed in the rebuilt and insulated old portico, links the new addition to the existing building. The modern extension complements the stone structure, maintaining visual unity and integrity. It integrates smoothly, with horizontal forms and a low profile that fits delicately under the long sheet metal roof.
The extension is constructed with slender wooden pillars on a reinforced concrete base. The walls are made of nailed wooden boards filled with CalceLegnoCanapa® insulating panels, known for their low environmental impact and strong mechanical, seismic, fire-resistant, and insulating properties. The insulated roof is supported by wooden beams and boards. The southern façade features large single-glazed windows, merging the indoor and outdoor spaces. The dark frames and strips on the insulated portions of the facade and internal partitions ensure harmony with the natural setting.
The design thoughtfully integrates materials and colours with the surroundings while playing with contrasts. Smaller windows in the original building evoke a sense of protection, while large panoramic windows create a feeling of openness and immersion in the landscape. These expansive windows allow nature to flow seamlessly into the house, forging a unique connection between the interior and exterior spaces.
Dario Castellino, a strong proponent of the local wood supply chain in the Cuneo valleys, sourced all the wood locally for the new construction. He used the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique to preserve the wood, enhancing its resistance to weather, pests, water, and fire through a surface carbonisation process followed by the application of Tung oil.
Moreover, the house is fully energy self-sufficient, equipped with photovoltaic panels on the roof and an energy storage system, embodying a commitment to zero-emission living.
For more information visit dariocastellino.it/en/home/
Photos: ©Fabio Oggero
Project Credits
Structural Works Designer: Eretika, Borgo San Dalmazzo (CN),ing. Ivano Menso
Heating System Designer: Studio Tecno, Cuneo (CN), ing. Emanuele Dutto e arch. Alice Lusso
General Works: Edilbieffe, Borgo San Dalmazzo (CN)
Water and Sanitary System Installation: Termoigienica, Cavallermaggiore (CN)
Electrical System Installation: Alen Impianti Elettrici, Giordano Alen, Boves (CN)
Furniture/Interior Design and Implementation: Paolo Sasia, artisan
Suppliers:
Wood and CalceLegnoCanapa®: Segheria Pedona, Borgo San Dalmazzo (CN)
Furniture: Bensa Arredamenti, Vignolo (CN)
Sanitary Ware: Idroterm, Cuneo (CN)
Glass and Fixtures: Tecnovetro Macario, Borgo San Dalmazzo (CN)
Fixtures: La Casa del Legno di Sibilli Osvaldo, Aisone (CN)
Stove: P&P Prandi Caminetti, Dronero (CN)
Floor Resins: To Be Resine
Products:
Insulation: CalceLegnoCanapa®
Sanitary Ware: Flaminia
Fittings: Zucchetti
Furniture:
Dining Table Chairs: Wishbone Chair, Carl Hansen & Søn
Dining Table: Record, Infiniti
Armchair: Lounge Chair & Ottoman, Vitra
Living Room Chandelier: Radiohus, Louis Poulsen
Bedroom Light: Balloon, Brokis
Bathroom Light: Moon, Davide Groppi
Pouf: Tondo, Valentini Imbottiti
Rugs: Dipodesign
Objects: Rina Menardi | Adriani & Rossi
Illuminated Sideboard: Living Day, Novamobili
Log Holder: Caligaris Objet
Understairs Armchair: Nest, Nicoletti Home
Book Table: Circle, Novamobili
Bathroom Stool: Tronco, Gervasoni
