Studio Koster designed a modern country farmhouse in the Piacenza Hills region of Italy. Inspired by the long facades of traditional stables in this agricultural area, the home merges vernacular forms with a contemporary aesthetic. Its design emphasizes natural materials, sustainable systems, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Wood, Gray, and Weatherproof
The exterior of the house is clad in natural larch wood, a material traditionally used for mountain cabins. It offers extra insulation, requires no maintenance, and gradually turns a soft gray, blending with the surrounding landscape. Large wooden shutters protect the home from the elements, while window frames in varnished fir laminate and high-performance structured glass allow views of the garden and valley.
Eco-Friendly Design from Roof to Floor
The farmhouse was designed with sustainability in mind. Orientation optimizes sunlight, and construction materials, including double masonry with insulation and thermo-dried larch cladding, support energy efficiency. The wooden roof structure is topped with Ondapress panels, a sustainable product made from natural materials. Radiant panel heating and geothermal systems reduce the home’s environmental footprint, combining comfort with eco-conscious design.
Seamless Spaces That Stretch Outdoors
Outdoor spaces flank the home on both sides, creating areas for relaxation and social gatherings. The long central axis of the house connects living and sleeping areas, providing a continuous visual link to the surrounding garden and the old bell tower of the nearby Pieve. A partially covered terrace off the dining area extends the living space outdoors.
Light-Filled Living with Reclaimed Wood
Inside, natural materials create a sober, minimal environment reminiscent of an art gallery. White lime tempera finishes cover walls and ceilings, while concrete floors with quartz-cement surfaces give the interiors a stone-like quality.
The central living space combines the kitchen, dining area, and living room. Large windows and a box window frame the valley like a painting. The floors, finished in quartz-cement, extend onto the terrace and feature radiant heating for comfort. The custom kitchen uses reclaimed wood, enhancing the farmhouse aesthetic without detracting from the minimalist interior.
Bedrooms Framed by Gardens
The four bedrooms each have en-suite bathrooms and full-height French windows that open directly into the garden. Furnishings are simple and understated, letting the views outside become the focal point. Bathrooms feature darker elements like painted walls and wood doors, offering a subtle contrast to the otherwise light interiors.
A Linear Layout That Guides the Eye
The house is organized in a linear sequence, with bedrooms at one end and social areas at the other, all connected by the central axis. This layout allows privacy without isolating the living areas, and ensures a smooth visual and functional connection throughout the home.
This Piacenza Hills farmhouse is a modern interpretation of regional stables, combining simplicity, and sustainability. With its use of natural materials, thoughtful layout, and minimalistic design, it is both a contemporary home and a quiet homage to the traditions of Italian countryside architecture.